Podcasts about Grendel

In this 2014 career deep-dive, Dark Horse Executive Editor Diana Schutz walks us through four decades in comics—with zero varnish. We trace her start behind the counter in Vancouver and at Comics & Comix in Berkeley, where she leveled up from retail to publishing, then the blink-and-you-miss-it Marvel stint and the formative Comico years shepherding creator-owned work.Finally, Diana lands at Dark Horse in 1990, rising to executive editor, championing auteurs, and launching the creator-driven Maverick imprint. Along the way we hit milestone collaborations—Frank Miller's Sin City and 300, Matt Wagner's Grendel, Stan Sakai's Usagi Yojimbo, Harvey Pekar's American Splendor —and unpack her editor's playbook: protecting voice, negotiating deadlines without killing the art, and why “editor” means partner, not policeman. It's a masterclass in how careers are built, catalogs are curated, and why creator rights matter—told by someone who helped shape the modern indie era.

We're reading the 2023 update to Matt Wagner's first comic work from 1983. How does it hold up?We make our show on Zencastr, and you can too! Follow this link to sign up now!Join the WRA Patreon to help us keep doing the show and get rewards!

Send us a textWe are with our mighty four as they now travel to the Crusades: William Marshall, Percy, Gervais and Fenrir Werewolf soul. They see the Count de Perigord and do the decent thing after being under the scrutiny of Gabriel the Archangel.We find our cast faced by the forces of Saladinn. They are attacked, and the battle goes badly, but the great man himself comes to save them. Please check out Odin Apparel for amazing Viking-themed kits and our T-shirts. Preorder it now at this link.https://odinapparel24.myshopify.com/collections/werewolf-a-serial-killer-podcastThe Old Man's Podcast:The writing duo speak to the Old Man himself. Go check us out on his award-winning Podcast.https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-old-mans-podcast/id1595940192?i=1000708626677Grendel Press, our horror genre partnerhttps://grendelpress.com/Grendel's very own cool Podcast.https://grendelpress.com/sinister-soup. Buy us a coffee at this link right here:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/WerewolfwilBuy a book about werewolves. Here it is, straight from a fang-filled mouth.Il LupoGreg's first Werewolf book. Brilliantly written characters in an incredible story. https://books2read.com/ILLUPOA Werewolf's Storyhttps://amzn.to/3BjXoZuWerewolf the Colouring Book.What should I do this evening? Why not sit and do some Wonderful Werewolf colouring?  Red may be a theme.https://amzn.to/40k93l6Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/werewolfthepodcast/Greg's X profile:@SempaiGregWerewolf the Podcast:@AWerewolfsStoryWilIntro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/ Outro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/Support the show

In this episode of the Overdrive Outdoors podcast, Josh, Kevin and Cam Jones discuss their experiences and strategies for hunting coyotes, highlighting the benefits of using thermal imaging over night vision in dense cover and the importance of proper call placement and sound selection. They also delve into firearm and ammunition choices, particularly the effectiveness of the 6.5 Grendel caliber, as well as techniques for mounting rifles on tripods for improved shooting stability. Additionally, they share hunting anecdotes, equipment tips, and insights on bobcat hunting, emphasizing patience, observation, and adapting to terrain and weather conditions. As always, THANK YOU for listening! Predator Thermal Optics code "ptothermal" for 10% off all Predator Thermal Optics brand Scopes and Monoculars www.predatorthermaloptics.com www.predatorhunteroutdoors.com code: tripod for 10% off tripods and mounts code: light for 20% off lighting products Predator Hunter Outdoors ATN Prym1 Wiebe Knives- code "OVERDRIVE15" for 15% off you entire order High Pressure Pneumatics

Send us a textThe great deceiver tells her tale after being stopped from taking Gervais's soul. He was willing to give it up to save another's life. The ultimate sacrifice, so Gabriel has arrived to sort it out. To be honest, the Devil did not want to take Gervais's soul, and she feels relieved. Then she tells us the truth about herself. I think. Please check out Odin Apparel for amazing Viking-themed kits and our T-shirts. Preorder it now at this link.https://odinapparel24.myshopify.com/collections/werewolf-a-serial-killer-podcastThe Old Man's Podcast:The writing duo speak to the Old Man himself. Go check us out on his award-winning Podcast.https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-old-mans-podcast/id1595940192?i=1000708626677Grendel Press, our horror genre partnerhttps://grendelpress.com/Grendel's very own cool Podcast.https://grendelpress.com/sinister-soup. Buy us a coffee at this link right here:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/WerewolfwilBuy a book about werewolves. Here it is, straight from a fang-filled mouth.Il LupoGreg's first Werewolf book. Brilliantly written characters in an incredible story. https://books2read.com/ILLUPOA Werewolf's Storyhttps://amzn.to/3BjXoZuWerewolf the Colouring Book.What should I do this evening? Why not sit and do some Wonderful Werewolf colouring?  Red may be a theme.https://amzn.to/40k93l6Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/werewolfthepodcast/Greg's X profile:@SempaiGregWerewolf the Podcast:@AWerewolfsStoryWilIntro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/ Outro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/Support the show

Send us a textWe are taking a slight light break from the medieval times to listen to five short stories about how a wickedly awful psychotic individual like our Wil the Werewolf can actually help out the world. The five stories are:The Cult of the Infant Saint: A not-so-heartwarming tale of werewolves, rot, and ecclesiastical nonsense.The Skin Farmer: A wholesome tale of dermal theft, celebrity wellness, and high fashion revenge.Oil to Ash: A cheerful tale of gas monopolies, werewolf vengeance, and the world's most expensive fireball.The Children's App: A tale of tech moguls, neural manipulation, and one very displeased werewolf with a vendetta against startups.Meat for the Meek: A feast of biotech nightmares, starving refugees, and a werewolf's deliciously awful solution.See awful people, erm... things can do good.Please check out Odin Apparel for amazing Viking-themed kits and our T-shirts. Preorder it now at this link.https://odinapparel24.myshopify.com/collections/werewolf-a-serial-killer-podcastThe Old Man's Podcast:The writing duo speak to the Old Man himself. Go check us out on his award-winning Podcast.https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-old-mans-podcast/id1595940192?i=1000708626677Grendel Press, our horror genre partnerhttps://grendelpress.com/Grendel's very own cool Podcast.https://grendelpress.com/sinister-soup. Buy us a coffee at this link right here:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/WerewolfwilBuy a book about werewolves. Here it is, straight from a fang-filled mouth.Il LupoGreg's first Werewolf book. Brilliantly written characters in an incredible story. https://books2read.com/ILLUPOA Werewolf's Storyhttps://amzn.to/3BjXoZuWerewolf the Colouring Book.What should I do this evening? Why not sit and do some Wonderful Werewolf colouring?  Red may be a theme.https://amzn.to/40k93l6Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/werewolfthepodcast/Greg's X profile:@SempaiGregWerewolf the Podcast:@AWerewolfsStoryWilIntro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/ Outro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/Support the show

We return with Devils and Deaths, one of the most popular Grendel Tales of all. We're introduced to Drago, a Grendel who strives to uphold the honor of the Khan, long after his death. His clan, lead by Vlado, centers around a futbol pitch operated by the local government. When the town begins getting terrorized by a rival clan and an Uber-creature, Drago is the last one who can stand up to their foes...or is he? Main podcast page: https://thedevilindetail.libsyn.com Eli Schwab https://cosmiclionproductions.com/ @CosmicLion on Instagram Ben Granoff @BenGranoff on Instagram Much love to Matt Wagner who has an amazing NEW website!! https://mattwagnercomics.art/ Check out Brennan Wagner's killer website!! https://brennanwagnerart.com/ We are also on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-devil-in-detail/id1515990826 and Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/show/1jzmBWoPHse5b2oNVbMwOu?si=OFofifuxTyKjeITOmHWxQA  

In which we hear from Jason about his Baltimore VT experience, come up with a nick name, the impact of Jason's VTs, the challenge that PV presents, and other things. Enjoy and thanks for listening! Here's Grendel: The Game of Crime and Mayhem Here's a video of Tobin's Grendel stuff.... Warcast Swag: https://the-warcast-reforged.myspreadshop.com/all  You may contact us through our discord server (https://discord.com/invite/ffDEF3Tys9) or email (thewarcast2023@gmail.com). Subscribe to us via Apple Podcasts or whichever podcast platform you use. If you have any comments or thoughts let us know. Thanks for listening. Logo art by Ezri Lopes, @z.x.zarya on Instagram.  Podcast Theme Music by Kevin MacLeod, CC license 3.0 (http://goo.gl/BlcHZR)

In this flavorful and firepower-filled episode of Gun Talk Nation, Ryan Gresham sits down with Kinion Bankston of Southern Boyz Outdoors—a Louisiana legend known for his viral cooking videos and authentic outdoors lifestyle.From humble beginnings in Pumpkin Center to building a 4.6M+ follower base across social media, Kinion shares his story, his favorite hunting cartridges (like the 6.5 Grendel, 35 Whelen, and .30-06), and why Louisiana cooking, hunting culture, and family values matter more than ever.This Gun Talk Nation is brought to you by Ruger, Safari Specialty Importers, Colt, Guns & Gear, Black Hills Ammunition, Military Armament Corp., and First Person Defender.Check out the NEW First Person Defender YouTube channel HERE.About Gun Talk NationGun Talk Media's Gun Talk Nation with Ryan Gresham is a weekly multi-platform podcast that offers a fresh look at all things firearms-related. Featuring notable guests and a lot of laughs. Gun Talk Nation is available as an audio podcast or available in video format.For more content, subscribe to Gun Talk at guntalktv.com, on Gun Talk's Roku, Apple TV, iOS app, Android app, or find Gun Talk on YouTube, Rumble, Facebook, Instagram, X and guntalk.com. Catch First Person Defender on the new Official FPD YouTube channel. Listen to all Gun Talk Podcasts with Spreaker, iHeart, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.Copyright ©2025 Freefire Media, LLCGun Talk Nation 07.16.25Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gun-talk--6185159/support.

Send us a textIt has come to the fateful day where one of our heroes. One of our Werewolf's brothers is going to have to sacrifice himself. Will Satan take Gervais's soul? Will William Marshall allow it? Has he got a choice?Go check out Odin Apparel for amazing Viking-themed kits and our t-shirts. Preorder it now at this link.https://odinapparel24.myshopify.com/collections/werewolf-a-serial-killer-podcastThe Old Man's Podcast:The writing duo speak to the Old Man himself. Go check us out on his award-winning Podcast.https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-old-mans-podcast/id1595940192?i=1000708626677Grendel Press, our horror genre partnerhttps://grendelpress.com/Grendel's very own cool Podcast.https://grendelpress.com/sinister-soup. Buy us a coffee at this link right here:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/WerewolfwilBuy a book about werewolves. Here it is, straight from a fang-filled mouth.Il LupoGreg's first Werewolf book. Brilliantly written characters in an incredible story. https://books2read.com/ILLUPOA Werewolf's Storyhttps://amzn.to/3BjXoZuWerewolf the Colouring Book.What should I do this evening? Why not sit and do some Wonderful Werewolf colouring?  Red may be a theme.https://amzn.to/40k93l6Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/werewolfthepodcast/Greg's X profile:@SempaiGregWerewolf the Podcast:@AWerewolfsStoryWilIntro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/ Outro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/Support the show

Send us a textThe intrepid Werewolf is the first Werewolf to fly. He has been launched over the battlements of his home castle by a nasty Count. We all know a nasty Count, don't we?  This is a reminder of how he was going to be killed as a child hostage. Will William, being a werewolf, save him? Oh no, wait a minute. Gervais has sold his soul to Lucifer to save him. How will it end?Listen and find out. Go check out Odin Apparel for amazing Viking-themed kits and our t-shirts. Preorder it now at this link.https://odinapparel24.myshopify.com/collections/werewolf-a-serial-killer-podcastThe Old Man's Podcast:The writing duo speak to the Old Man himself. Go check us out on his award-winning Podcast.https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-old-mans-podcast/id1595940192?i=1000708626677Grendel Press, our horror genre partnerhttps://grendelpress.com/Grendel's very own cool Podcast.https://grendelpress.com/sinister-soup. Buy us a coffee at this link right here:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/WerewolfwilBuy a book about werewolves. Here it is, straight from a fang-filled mouth.Il LupoGreg's first Werewolf book. Brilliantly written characters in an incredible story. https://books2read.com/ILLUPOA Werewolf's Storyhttps://amzn.to/3BjXoZuWerewolf the Colouring Book.What should I do this evening? Why not sit and do some Wonderful Werewolf colouring?  Red may be a theme.https://amzn.to/40k93l6Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/werewolfthepodcast/Greg's X profile:@SempaiGregWerewolf the Podcast:@AWerewolfsStoryWilIntro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/ Outro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/Support the show

Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVr5MNf7Nt5oCXywsUh-ttA/join   Looking to buy used and new games?  Use my affiliate link  with Noble Knight Games https://www.nobleknight.com/?awid=1459   Hungry is joined by Lana of Navigator Lana, and Level Up Board Game Podcast where they catch up on games they need to review and talk about Grendel from Off the Page Games.   0:00 - Intro RECENT PLAYS & NEXT ON THE TABLE 16:29 - Kinfire Council 24:16 - Tales of the Arthurian Knights 31:37 - Arydia 35:03 - Hobbit: There and Back Again 39:15 - Tea Garden & Conquest Princess 43:42 - Vantage and Above and Below: Haunted MINI-Reviews 46:49 - Far Cry & Worms 51:32 - CDSK 58:45 - Confusing Lands 1:03:33 - Sponsor Bump 1:04:38 - Grendel 1:19:36 - Lana's Words of Gaming Wisdom 1:23:02 - Bonus Clips   Check out the video version here:   Check out Navigator Lana here: www.instagram.com/navigatorlana and www.tiktok.com/navigatorlana www.navigatorlana.blog

Send us a textWilliam our heroic werewolf has given himself over to the hands of Count Perigord, a Direct descendant of Charlemagne to save the people in his lord's castle. He is falsely accused of killing the Count's Father and his sister. He did neither... but I may need to go to capital letters to emphasise the BUT... BUT... He did take the head of the little sister as payment for the work he had done. She had blonde hair. He had been promised a golden fleece for killing the dragon that was terrorising the local community. So... Well, you sort of get it. This week we see how William Marshal dies... ish. Go check out Odin Apparel for amazing Viking-themed kits and our t-shirts. Preorder it now at this link.https://odinapparel24.myshopify.com/collections/werewolf-a-serial-killer-podcastThe Old Man's Podcast:The writing duo speak to the Old Man himself. Go check us out on his award-winning Podcast.https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-old-mans-podcast/id1595940192?i=1000708626677Grendel Press, our horror genre partnerhttps://grendelpress.com/Grendel's very own cool Podcast.https://grendelpress.com/sinister-soup. Buy us a coffee at this link right here:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/WerewolfwilBuy a book about werewolves. Here it is, straight from a fang-filled mouth.Il LupoGreg's first Werewolf book. Brilliantly written characters in an incredible story. https://books2read.com/ILLUPOA Werewolf's Storyhttps://amzn.to/3BjXoZuWerewolf the Colouring Book.What should I do this evening? Why not sit and do some Wonderful Werewolf colouring?  Red may be a theme.https://amzn.to/40k93l6Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/werewolfthepodcast/Greg's X profile:@SempaiGregWerewolf the Podcast:@AWerewolfsStoryWilIntro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/ Outro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/Support the show

Shad Miller & Jay Cormier from Off the Page Games join and Jimmy and Dan Nixon to talk about their comic based board games like MIND MGMT, Harrow County, and Corps of Discovery. Jimmy and Dan have played both MIND MGMT and Harrow County and it's great to hear how these games were developed. Plus Shad and Jay give them a preview of the upcoming Grendel, which will launch on Kickstarter July 1st, but you can sign up now to be notified when the game goes live.   Back Grendel: The Game of Crime & Mayhem on Kickstarter Off the Page Games Follow Off the Page Games on Bluesky PATREON We have a new Patreon, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CryptidCreatorCornerpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you like what we do, please consider supporting us. We got two simple tiers, $1 and $3. Want to know more, you know what to do. THE ORDER OF THE NUN-YA STARBURST: VIOLA Make sure to check out our friend's new crowdfunding campaign ⁠⁠⁠The Order of the Nun-Ya Starburst: Viola⁠⁠⁠ that I mentioned in the episode. ⁠⁠⁠(LINK)⁠⁠⁠ ARKENFORGE Play TTRPG games? Make sure to check out our partner ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Arkenforge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Use the discount code YETI5 to get $5 off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textWilliam Marshall has decided to stop the continuing fighting and siege by giving himself to the new Count de Perigord (Direct descendant of Charlemagne). He wanders his weary way to the camp to be met by the brave cock and his mercenary soldiers. Gervais de Montagne prays for an angel to come to help. He gets an angel but not one he expects.This is this week's exciting episode of Werewolf the Podcast: A Serial (Killer) Drama.Go check out Odin Apparel for amazing Viking-themed kits and our t-shirts. Preorder it now at this link.https://odinapparel24.myshopify.com/collections/werewolf-a-serial-killer-podcastThe Old Man's Podcast:The writing duo speak to the Old Man himself. Go check us out on his award-winning Podcast.https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-old-mans-podcast/id1595940192?i=1000708626677Grendel Press, our horror genre partnerhttps://grendelpress.com/Grendel's very own cool Podcast.https://grendelpress.com/sinister-soup. Buy us a coffee at this link right here:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/WerewolfwilBuy a book about werewolves. Here it is, straight from a fang-filled mouth.Il LupoGreg's first Werewolf book. Brilliantly written characters in an incredible story. https://books2read.com/ILLUPOA Werewolf's Storyhttps://amzn.to/3BjXoZuWerewolf the Colouring Book.What should I do this evening? Why not sit and do some Wonderful Werewolf colouring?  Red may be a theme.https://amzn.to/40k93l6Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/werewolfthepodcast/Greg's X profile:@SempaiGregWerewolf the Podcast:@AWerewolfsStoryWilIntro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/ Outro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/Support the show

Send us a textThe Werewolf (William Marshal) has caused a bit of consternation in the camp of the Count de Perigord. He attacked it in the night in his Werewolf form not the Knighty form that the would nornally attack in the night in. As a direct result the Count has employed a dark wizard to brew a potion to attack the Castle where the besieged are being sieged by the seigers. So I beseech you to listen. (I know I have used that joke before but it is good enough to use again.)What will William, Fenrir, Lord de Tancarville, Gervais and Percy do to save the fortress. The army of the Lord is heading back from the North. Will they be to late to save Will and co. Listen to find out. Go check out Odin Apparel for amazing Viking-themed kits and our t-shirts. Preorder it now at this link.https://odinapparel24.myshopify.com/collections/werewolf-a-serial-killer-podcastThe Old Man's Podcast:The writing duo speak to the Old Man himself. Go check us out on his award-winning Podcast.https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-old-mans-podcast/id1595940192?i=1000708626677Grendel Press, our horror genre partnershttps://grendelpress.com/Grendel's very own cool Podcast.https://grendelpress.com/sinister-soup. Buy us a coffee at this link right here:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/WerewolfwilBuy a book about werewolves. Here it is, straight from a fang-filled mouth.Il LupoGreg's first Werewolf book. Brilliantly written characters in an incredible story. https://books2read.com/ILLUPOA Werewolf's Storyhttps://amzn.to/3BjXoZuWerewolf the Colouring Book.What should I do this evening? Why not sit and do some Wonderful Werewolf colouring?  Red may be a theme.https://amzn.to/40k93l6Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/werewolfthepodcast/Greg's X profile:@SempaiGregWerewolf the Podcast:@AWerewolfsStoryWilIntro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/ Outro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/Support the show

Prípadnú pokutu zaplatím, no obrátim sa na ústavný súd. Z funkcie ministra neodstúpim, aj keby porušenie zákona ústavný súd potvrdil, trestom je už zaplatenie pokuty. Minister obrany Robert Kaliňák sa postavil ku kauze nepriznanej vily na Jadrane. Opätovne pre ňu zasadol špeciálny parlamentný výbor.„Ja si svoju chybu uznávam, aj sa k nej adekvátne postavím. Splním si povinnosti, ktoré mi výbor uloží,“ povedal pred novinármi.Chybou bolo, že neuviedol vlastníctvo chorvátskej vily svojej manželky vo viacerých majetkových priznaniach.„Zákon nepozná výhovorky“ – reaguje Gábor Grendel z opozičného hnutia Slovensko.Na pôvodne nepriznanú vilu ministra obrany a na ďalšie nehnuteľnosti mocných v Chorvátsku sme sa pozreli s Petrom Sabom z investigatívneho tímu Aktualít.Podcast pripravil Jaroslav Barborák.

Prípadnú pokutu zaplatím, no obrátim sa na ústavný súd. Z funkcie ministra neodstúpim, aj keby porušenie zákona ústavný súd potvrdil, trestom je už zaplatenie pokuty. Minister obrany Robert Kaliňák sa postavil ku kauze nepriznanej vily na Jadrane. Opätovne pre ňu zasadol špeciálny parlamentný výbor.„Ja si svoju chybu uznávam, aj sa k nej adekvátne postavím. Splním si povinnosti, ktoré mi výbor uloží,“ povedal pred novinármi. Chybou bolo, že neuviedol vlastníctvo chorvátskej vily svojej manželky vo viacerých majetkových priznaniach.„Zákon nepozná výhovorky“ – reaguje Gábor Grendel z opozičného hnutia Slovensko. Na pôvodne nepriznanú vilu ministra obrany a na ďalšie nehnuteľnosti mocných v Chorvátsku sme sa pozreli s Petrom Sabom z investigatívneho tímu Aktualít.Podcast pripravil Jaroslav Barborák.

Send us a textWell, it has come to the big day. The werewolf has dropped from the battlements of his lordships castle and raided the camp de Perigod. Death and horror has taken the men there. They should back down. Should they not. Oh no. What they do is they bring forth there own dark magic. A dark and satanic sorcerer. Antzindepantz is brought forward to deliver a potion of plague to the fortress. Oh its getting right exciting, int it. Go check out Odin Apparel for amazing Viking-themed kits and our t-shirts. Preorder it now at this link.https://odinapparel24.myshopify.com/collections/werewolf-a-serial-killer-podcastThe Old Man's Podcast:The writing duo speak to the Old Man himself. Go check us out on his award-winning Podcast.https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-old-mans-podcast/id1595940192?i=1000708626677Grendel Press, our horror genre partnershttps://grendelpress.com/Grendel's very own cool Podcast.https://grendelpress.com/sinister-soup. Buy us a coffee at this link right here:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/WerewolfwilBuy a book about werewolves. Here it is, straight from a fang-filled mouth.Il LupoGreg's first Werewolf book. Brilliantly written characters in an incredible story. https://books2read.com/ILLUPOA Werewolf's Storyhttps://amzn.to/3BjXoZuWerewolf the Colouring Book.What should I do this evening? Why not sit and do some Wonderful Werewolf colouring?  Red may be a theme.https://amzn.to/40k93l6Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/werewolfthepodcast/Greg's X profile:@SempaiGregWerewolf the Podcast:@AWerewolfsStoryWilIntro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/Outro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/Support the showIntro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/ Outro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/Support the show

Send us a textThe Count de Perigods Army is beseiging the Castle of the Lord de Tancerville. They demand a boon from the lord. They demand the head of a Knight who killed the old Count de Perigod and his daughter. That knight was William Marshal himself.  Unfortunately for them, they do not realise that William is supported by an ancient Wolf soul that gives him the ability to become a Werewolf.The Infant illegitimater are at the foot of the walls and will try to take the keep by storming the walls with ladders. Gervais de Montagne, a hard-drinking knight and William's best friend, is there to help him. In this episode, we will see what happens when a small force defends the walls.  EnjoyGo check out Odin Apparel for amazing Viking-themed kits and our t-shirts. Preorder it now at this link.https://odinapparel24.myshopify.com/collections/werewolf-a-serial-killer-podcastThe Old Man's Podcast:The writing duo speak to the Old Man himself. Go check us out on his award-winning Podcast.https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-old-mans-podcast/id1595940192?i=1000708626677Grendel Press, our horror genre partnershttps://grendelpress.com/Grendel's very own cool Podcast.https://grendelpress.com/sinister-soup. Buy us a coffee at this link right here:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/WerewolfwilBuy a book about werewolves. Here it is, straight from a fang-filled mouth.Il LupoGreg's first Werewolf book. Brilliantly written characters in an incredible story. https://books2read.com/ILLUPOA Werewolf's Storyhttps://amzn.to/3BjXoZuWerewolf the Colouring Book.What should I do this evening? Why not sit and do some Wonderful Werewolf colouring?  Red may be a theme.https://amzn.to/40k93l6Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/werewolfthepodcast/Greg's X profile:@SempaiGregWerewolf the Podcast:@AWerewolfsStoryWilIntro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/ Outro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/Support the show

Send us a textWe have travelled back in time to the medieval period to share a story with William Marshall and his crew. As you probably know, William Marshal was known to be the greatest knight ever to live, and we can tell you why. He was a Werewolf. Yes, Fenrir, our wolf soul, has been in a number of humans' lives, and one of them and one of the most famous ones was the Marshal of England. So come and join the gang—William, Percy, Lord of Northumberland, and Gervais de Montagne in their next adventure. The last time we met them, they had just killed a dragon, and as a side note, they had also killed the Count de Perigord and his daughter after the man had lied to them. This time, the new Count de Perigord, direct descendant of Charlemagne, is trying to exact his revenge. I besiege you to listen. (That joke will make sense eventually, I promise.) Go check out Odin Apparel for amazing Viking-themed kits and our t-shirts. Preorder it now. At this link.https://odinapparel24.myshopify.com/collections/werewolf-a-serial-killer-podcastThe Old Man's Podcast:The writing duo speak to the Old Man himself. Go check us out on his award-winning Podcast.https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-old-mans-podcast/id1595940192?i=1000708626677Grendel Press, our horror genre partnershttps://grendelpress.com/Grendel's very own cool Podcast.https://grendelpress.com/sinister-soup. Buy us a coffee at this link right here:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/WerewolfwilBuy a book about werewolves. Here it is, straight from a fang-filled mouth.Il LupoGreg's first Werewolf book. Brilliantly written characters in an incredible story. https://books2read.com/ILLUPOA Werewolf's Storyhttps://amzn.to/3BjXoZuWerewolf the Colouring Book.What should I do this evening? Why not sit and do some Wonderful Werewolf colouring?  Red may be a theme.https://amzn.to/40k93l6Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/werewolfthepodcast/Greg's X profile:@SempaiGregWerewolf the Podcast:@AWerewolfsStoryWilIntro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/ Outro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/Support the show

We're off to the planet Tara this time, for a fun little romp around the castle.

We’re off to the planet Tara this time, for a fun little romp around the castle. The post Doctor Who Adversaries – Grendel first appeared on NEOZAZ.

Many artists look back on the work they did at age nineteen and cringe, but Matt Wagner keeps returning to Grendel, expanding and refining his youthful enthusiasms into an exploration of the nature of evil. Today, Grendel is a sprawling multigenerational saga that can be challenging to get into (and it was for one of your hosts), so we start at the beginning with the first link in the chain: a child prodigy who grows up to be the toast of Manhattan society as bestselling author Hunter Rose and master of the East Coast underworld as assassin-turned-crimelord Grendel. We'll examine how the character evolved with Wagner's maturing writing and art, ably assisted by some of the greatest comic book artists the Iron Age had to offer, and try to get to the bottom of “criminal chic” and the allure of the villain in popular fiction.We veer just a bit outside the strict confines of our 15-year Iron Age to read Dark Horse Comics' Grendel Omnibus Vol. 1: Hunter Rose, which contains The Devil by the Deed, the Black, White and Red and Red, White and Black short story collections, Behold the Devil, and other assorted material.Grendel's money is ill-gotten, but we merely ask for donations: patreon.com/ironageofcomics

Send us a textLucifer is toying with the HOLY GRAIL. That bit required CAPITALS because it is so important. She can decide to become... not the fallen angel but a GOD herself. Wil decides he is going to solve the Professor's biggest problem.He tells the truth to the world.Sadly, that can not be so; people die. Just a typical episode of this bloody podcast.The Old Man's Podcast:The writing duo speak to the Old Man himself. Go check us out on his award-winning Podcast.https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-old-mans-podcast/id1595940192?i=1000708626677Merchandising from this great company. Odin Apparel:https://odinapparel24.myshopify.com/Grendel Press, our horror genre partnershttps://grendelpress.com/Grendel's very own cool Podcast.https://grendelpress.com/sinister-soup. Buy us a coffee at this link right here:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/WerewolfwilBuy a book about werewolves. Here it is, straight from a fang-filled mouth.Il LupoGreg's first Werewolf book. Brilliantly written characters in an incredible story. https://books2read.com/ILLUPOA Werewolf's Storyhttps://amzn.to/3BjXoZuWerewolf the Colouring Book.What should I do this evening? Why not sit and do some Wonderful Werewolf colouring?  Red may be a theme.https://amzn.to/40k93l6Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/werewolfthepodcast/Greg's X profile:@SempaiGregWerewolf the Podcast:@AWerewolfsStoryWilIntro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/ Outro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/Support the show

Send us a textWell, what can we say the Werecat is going to war with Foxglove, our slightly crazy... No, really crazy... No, completely crazy, psychopathic Fairy. The Professor, Wil and co have been played by the Fairy. She has distracted them so that they don't realise what it is that she really wants. She wants the Holy Grail, and as our 12th Century Knight, now Professor, has already drunk from the Grail, then she has guessed that it is at the Professor's home. She searches while the Werecat tries to stop them.  If Foxglove drinks from the Grail, she will become a God. A real God. Can the team stop her from becoming such a powerful creature? We will see.The Devil will lend a hand. She usually has to sort this sh*t out for everyone.https://grendelpress.com/sinister-soup. Grendel's very own cool Podcast.Buy us a coffee at this link right here:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/WerewolfwilBuy a book about werewolves. Here it is, straight from a fang-filled mouth.Il LupoGreg's first Werewolf book. Brilliantly written characters in an incredible story. https://books2read.com/ILLUPOA Werewolf's Storyhttps://amzn.to/3BjXoZuWerewolf the Colouring Book.What should I do this evening? Why not sit and do some Wonderful Werewolf colouring?  Red may be a theme.https://amzn.to/40k93l6Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/werewolfthepodcast/Greg's X profile:@SempaiGregWerewolf the Podcast:@AWerewolfsStoryWilIntro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/ Outro partnership with Grendel Press.https://grendelpress.com/Support the show

Since this episode is dropping just before Mother's Day in the US, it seemed like the perfect time to talk about Echidna, the Mother of All Monsters. Or… at least an awful lot of the Greek ones. We'll also look at some other monstrous mothers in Mesopotamian, Norse, and Germanic mythology! Visit the World of Mythik website to learn more and to contribute your theories to our board! All stories told on Myths & Muses are original family-friendly adaptations of ancient myths and legends. Stories from ancient mythology can also sometimes deal with complicated topics for young listeners — to the mortal parents and caretakers reading this, we encourage listening along with your young demigods to help them navigate those topics as they explore these epic tales. Transcript for Episode 5 If you'd like to submit something creative you've done inspired by the stories in Myths & Muses, use this form (with a Mortal Guardian's permission!). ----more---- Stuff to Read: Echidna Summaries at Mythopedia and Ancient Origins Quotes from original Greek texts at THEOI Echidna: Half Woman, Half Snake of Greece Angrboda: From Vikingr Chaos, and Destruction: The Symbolism of Angrboda in Norse Mythology and Beyond Tiamat Summary from World History Encyclopedia  From The Met: Mesopotamian Creation Myths Dungeons & Dragons: The History Of Bahamut And Tiamat Grendel's Mother: Beowulf and Grendel's Mother Stuff To Watch: Check out our curated YouTube playlist for this episode!

Matt Wagner, creator of the legendary independent titles Grendel and Mage, shares his journey to become one of comics' most respected writer-artists. Our conversation explores the origins and complex publication history of his signature character Grendel, which debuted in Comico Primer #2, as well as the creative process and development behind the more personal Mage trilogy. Beyond his creator-owned work, Matt discusses his affinity for pulp characters like Batman, The Shadow, Green Hornet, and Zorro in his work for DC and Dynamite, explaining why these characters resonate with him stylistically and thematically, while also touching on his distinctive work on Demon. He shares the thinking behind DC's Trinity, and his current collaboration with Kelley Jones on the ambitious Dracula series. You can follow Matt on his site, mattwagnercomics.art, on X @MattWagnerComic or on Instagram @mattwagnercomics.Support the show

This week we are joined by Grendel creator and mastermind Matt Wagner and Devil in Our Midst writer Steve Seagle and artist Paul Grist. Paul experienced some connection issues so had to drop about half way through but Matt and Steve stuck around and went deep on all that went in to this amazing story, including Bernie Mireaults amazing colors. This one is not to be missed!! We also talked with Matt about some of the amazing stuff coming out in the Grendel-Verse. The Executive Replicas Grendel figure: https://www.executivereplicas.com/product-page/grendel-6in-action-figure-pre-sale  The all new Grendel Game!! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mindmgmt/grendel-the-game-of-crime-and-mayhem    Main podcast page: https://thedevilindetail.libsyn.com Eli Schwab https://cosmiclionproductions.com/ @CosmicLion on Instagram Ben Granoff @BenGranoff on Instagram Watch Ben's new vids!! https://www.youtube.com/@UCGAbqwJ07N80xYht2HpqujA Much love to Matt Wagner who is now has an amazing NEW website!! https://mattwagnercomics.art/ Check out Brennan Wagner's killer website!! https://brennanwagnerart.com/ We are also on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-devil-in-detail/id1515990826 and Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/show/1jzmBWoPHse5b2oNVbMwOu?si=OFofifuxTyKjeITOmHWxQA

Pour terminer notre voyage à travers les légendes de la vallée de l'Attert, place à la sorcellerie ! Partons d'abord sur les traces d'une sorcière nommée Séraphine, d'une mystérieuse histoire de maladie et de maléfices. Puis, ce chemin au cœur des légendes nous emmène à la rencontre d'un curé chasseur qui se retrouve face à d'étranges chats aux pouvoirs troublants… Plongeons dans ce passé légendaire. Fanny Cuisset reçoit Franz Clément, auteur de “Légendes de la Vallée de l'Attert”, publié aux éditions Memory. Merci pour votre écoute Un Jour dans l'Histoire, c'est également en direct tous les jours de la semaine de 13h15 à 14h30 sur www.rtbf.be/lapremiere Retrouvez tous les épisodes d'Un Jour dans l'Histoire sur notre plateforme Auvio.be :https://auvio.rtbf.be/emission/5936 Intéressés par l'histoire ? Vous pourriez également aimer nos autres podcasts : L'Histoire Continue: https://audmns.com/kSbpELwL'heure H : https://audmns.com/YagLLiKEt sa version à écouter en famille : La Mini Heure H https://audmns.com/YagLLiKAinsi que nos séries historiques :Chili, le Pays de mes Histoires : https://audmns.com/XHbnevhD-Day : https://audmns.com/JWRdPYIJoséphine Baker : https://audmns.com/wCfhoEwLa folle histoire de l'aviation : https://audmns.com/xAWjyWCLes Jeux Olympiques, l'étonnant miroir de notre Histoire : https://audmns.com/ZEIihzZMarguerite, la Voix d'une Résistante : https://audmns.com/zFDehnENapoléon, le crépuscule de l'Aigle : https://audmns.com/DcdnIUnUn Jour dans le Sport : https://audmns.com/xXlkHMHSous le sable des Pyramides : https://audmns.com/rXfVppvN'oubliez pas de vous y abonner pour ne rien manquer.Et si vous avez apprécié ce podcast, n'hésitez pas à nous donner des étoiles ou des commentaires, cela nous aide à le faire connaître plus largement. Distribué par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

Guardian Goddess in Manhattan.Book 3 in 18 parts, By FinalStand. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels."Our Princess grew up around a woman whose keen intellect we rely on to protect us from unseen enemies," Saint Marie's voice became deeper and more threatening. "At the age of ten, she," Saint Marie looked my way as my hand shot up mimicking Aya's identical plea for attention."Yes Ishara?" Saint Marie chose to acknowledge me."She's nine.""Fine. At the age of nine, she earned an honorific, Mamētu me eda, which I didn't accomplish until my 19th year." 'Yes Ladies, I'm an epic bad-ass and I've been out-performed by a child'."She was kidnapped along with the Head of House Ishara. They tortured her by clipping off two of her digits, one at a time, then seared the damage with a blowtorch. She gave them nothing. At the end of the encounter, the two of them managed to defeat thirty Seven Pillar's commandos, over fifteen she disabled personally.""After killing nearly half as many enemies as the 35 I have personally dispatched in my entire career, she crossed a mile and a half of barren rock in the midst of a Category 4 Typhoon. Cáel Ishara only helped her half of the way because he was engaged with the last two members of the Seven Pillar's team.""I have utter confidence the madness here today, while assisted by House Epona and Ishara, was the brainchild of Krasimira. I say 'assisted' because Cáel Ishara spared Kwenhamai's life on the battlefield. Katrina Epona removed Kwenhamai from Romanian custody to keep her out of the hands of those who wished us harm. I was aware Kwenhamai was in New York, but not her precise location.""My read on the situation is this:"Aya of Kururiyahhssi was aware of Kwenhamai and Krasimira's plot to adopt her into the bloodline of the first Amazon.""She was not aware of Kwenhamai's plan to exit the Host in the manner she chose. I read the shock and pain in, Aya's face.""Our Princess has not given me a single order and I am the only voice here today that matters, I am the Golden Mare and the Council has consistently failed to agree on a Regency.""Krasimira, why have you done this?" Saint Marie abruptly asked for either a denial, or acquiescence of her perception of events."As directed by the Ancestors, the statute of a goddess of a First House was recast then returned to her perpetual spot. It brought new light to a dark, sacred and painful place. In that moment I realized that for the first time in nearly 3,200 years, the descendants of every Amazon gathered before the walls of Wilusa (Troy) had been reunited.""I was troubled. Was this a portent the augurs couldn't divine? In their council (the augurs) then came up with the words 'speak to our eldest'."Oh shit, the rest of the Council was racking their minds trying to figure who was the oldest surviving Amazon. I knew for a fact they were overlooking the two top candidates."I sought out the eldest Amazon alive. They claimed to not have the answer for my worries. She had far more numerous things weighing on her mind such as her intimate demise. Though I hated sharing the same air with her, I asked her to tell me her greatest regret.""I had given up on the Amazon Race until an Amazon reminded me, through martial effort, valiant spirit and a kind heart, I was wrong to abandon my faith with my people. Now I will die, unable to pass on my renewed hope because the one Amazon I would trust with my legacy is equally childless.""I asked her the name of this Amazon she felt was worthy of her legacy. Then I informed her she was wrong and the Amazon in question did indeed have a daughter. She asked to meet the daughter,""Last night I requested the presence of a female child residing with members of House Epona," the Keeper of Records looked up at the Golden Mare. "I provided neither the resident female (Caitlyn, Aya's Mother), or the House Head with an explanation."Female childSince my revival, Amazons were using 'female' child a lot more often. This meant, the motheer had never told her daughter farewell. The true fate of Aya of Epona would never officially be recorded. She has been born, but never recorded as an Amazon of her true House."The three of us met alone. The two embraced; birth mother and daughter. The eldest of us proclaimed she saw the light of Kururiyahhssi in her daughter's eyes. Words were exchanged. The child agreed to be adopted then departed. Further arrangements were made without the child's knowledge as we have recently observed.""I testify that there is only one Amazon alive today who knows what transpired and I will take those conversations to my grave. Does that suffice?" Krasimira finished. I was already regurgitating my mental quandary with my Isharans. Was Aya really a daughter of Kururiyahhssi?"I will leave it to the others to contemplate your, bizarre actions, Krasimira," Saint Marie frowned. "As for the rest of you, Aya has impressed me. If she has not impressed you, I do not care. I think she is definitely influenced by those two," Saint Marie motioned to Katrina and me. "It is a given since Katrina was of her blood and she has risked much in the presence of a man she calls 'Atta' and he calls 'Duma'.""Katrina is a cold, heartless snake and I am convinced she is one of the best 'First Bearer of the Sun Spear through the Halls of Night and Death' the Host been served by in a long, long time.” Saint Marie paused then looked at me while she said; “ Cáel is a fool who leads with his heart when he should let better women take charge. Fortunately for the rest of us, he is reliably successful despite his multitude of handicaps."Was I upset about being insulted? No. The truth hurts and a Man needs to learn to roll with the punches. Buffy I could deal with. Katrina most likely appreciated being associated with a dangerous reptile. Saint Marie hadn't forgotten Katrina threating Saint Marie's daughter that was for sure."I am considering much of what our Princess would like me/us to do, because it is based in keen insight and well-reasoned thought. She wishes to spare our sons so we will have more warriors in the fight. We have already added men to Havenstone and one to the Council, as was the Will of the Ancestors.""Let me see, she wishes a bodyguard of fourteen (2 First House and 1 from Africa, Asia, Europe and North & South America, the Amazon presence in Australia was minimal and I doubted they would bring someone up from Antarctica, plus the seven matching Runners) without removing permanent members of any House and allowing all Houses to have access to our future Queen. I approve. It is a fine idea and I wish I had thought of it.""Should we add Runners directly into the Royal House? She doesn't think so and I feel this decision shows a remarkably insightful into the long history of our People and protects the Council's sensitivity on such matters. I approve.""Placing our sons into the care of the Royal House? We need to free up as many sisters as possible. Men under the care of the Royal House will be tradesmen and help-mates. Not a single weapon will be in their hands. If none of you have realized herlike will take two decades to implement, it only increases my eagerness to see her become 'casted'."Aya's hand shot up again.Yes?""I would hope the Council, or the Regents, will consider a 'like' which is not mine. It is a man's and it should be of no surprise the idea is Cáel's.""If you feel it holds merit, Aya, tell us," Saint Marie deferred."The 9 Clans have shown some interest in a children exchange programs among our youth as it would provide new techniques we can add to our arsenal an a new avenue to experiment with new ideas. I find the idea to be promising as the Host takes part in affairs beyond our own immediate needs. It would also supply partners between families to be shared for a season or two."Translation: Amazon women could breed with men of allied Secret Societies to reduce our dependence on our own, much smaller, male population. In the short term, it would go a long way to rectifying the Host's child-bearing problems.The Council's quarrelsome behavior was biting them in the ass big time. Saint Marie was right, the only opinion that mattered was hers until the Council elected a Regency. Had we not been at war, the Council would have ruled, but we were, so we took orders from the Golden Mare. Even if the High Priestess had been alive, she would have deferred to our designated War Leader on most things."Cáel Ish, Cáel Wakko Ishara is a very dangerous and devious male, Aya. Be careful of any council he gives," Saint Marie's caution was more playful than menacing."I'll be okay," Aya peeped. "He doesn't have sex with any woman until she is eighteen." That wasn't what the Golden Mare was cautioning her about. We all knew it. Aya was working to defuse a sticky bit of mental juggling, listening to a man's advice."On that we can agree," Saint Marie conceded. "Back to what I would 'like' to say. The New Directive is being implemented. I feel it goes beyond the purview of my mandate. I will leave it for the Regency to deal with. Katrina and Tessa have already invested in the groundwork in this endeavor, so I will endorse it if that is the decision of the Regency.""I have zero desire to add a single Runner to the Security Detail. I will open up slots in the training program if that is what the Regency demands. Each House's policy for dealing with the First Directive is their business, not mine. If any of you wish to consider something the Princess considers to be important, so be it. The idea of 1,000 Isharans does not appeal to me. Look how much trouble their tiny numbers have already caused us and take heed."Buffy began growling, which amused/worried the Houses on either side of us. Unlike me, Buffy didn't 'roll with the blows' and considered all manner of insults to me, House Ishara and her Isharan sisters to be answerable with violence. I loved her so. There was also no way I'd let her go after Saint Marie. The Golden Mare would crush her; I had no doubt."The unwelcome blood feud: are both House Heads ignorant of my forbiddance of such things? Apparently so. Both defied me by tossing insults back and forth. Considering we are at war with two of the most powerful Secret factions, I am angered by both for their idiocy.""The solution the Princess likes is rather novel," Saint Marie was punishing both Messina and me with her low voice and fiery gaze. Krasimira coughed."Yes?" Saint Marie suspended her anger."The suggested resolution is not without precedence," Krasimira spoke with a scholarly detachment. "In our early days, the Host settled such disputes in Spring and Fall gatherings by contests of foot speed, hunting, horsewomanship, archery and wrestling. If we revive the tradition, the competing Houses could nominate one woman for each contest to settle the matter. Only the hand-to-hand match would risk either contestant's health.""I will consider it and render judgement before the Sun sets today," Saint Marie nodded. "The final like pleases me greatly. Dealing with the 52 of you is, Cáel?"I was on the spot. I couldn't let down my fan base of one, Aya. Perhaps it was five, Buffy (who would never admit it), Daphne (who liked me), Katrina (because she liked fucking with my head) and Desiree (who was less likely to admit she found me funny than Buffy).I felt I gave a decent effort."'A ginormous pain in my hemorrhoids?' the basic one.""'More painful than having my cornea scrapped with a spoon?' more gruesome.""'Enough to make me want to give Sakuniyas a surprise French kiss?' most likely to be fatal.""'Worse than waking up to discover I'm related to Cáel Wakko Ishara?' most horrifying, for both of us.""'Inspiring me to toss it all away and take up Professional Bikini Mud Wrestling?' a personal fantasy of mine.""Why do we put up with him again?" one House Head remarked."Because I am worried that one," motioning to Buffy, "will stab me in the elevator after a meeting.""My First, are you acting psychotic around the Council members?" I looked over my shoulder at Buffy."Wakko Ishara, it is not an act. I am psychotic," she responded deadpan."Are you still packing that thermite grenade?""No Wakko Ishara. Daphne stole it from me and hid it," was her quick delivery."I love working with you two," Daphne whispered."What is it with you, your unsubtle sexual innuendo and me in a bikini?" Saint Marie stared at me."I find the combination of brilliance and lethality sexy. Just ask Elsa," I grinned. Then I grimaced as Buffy stomped on my toes. The House Heads and Apprentices on either side of me noticed and clearly expected me to do something, like to show outrage (because she was my underling), or start crying (because I was a guy)."Prestige," Daphne hissed quietly. "Prestige." She was reminding Buffy that beating me up in public made the other Amazons think even less of me than they already did."I will go with (B), the cornea scrapping," Saint Marie gave me a nod."Damn it," I muttered. I also got my foot out of the way before someone did any more damage to my phalanges.'Best Daddy Ever,' Aya mouthed to me. Back to the main action."It is not my place to order the rest of you to elect Shawnee, Rhada and Buffy to be the Regency. I do admit I admire the mixture of candidates," Saint Marie declared. I shot Rhada a quick look. She seemed really, really enamored of the idea of being part of the Regency, thus staying in New York for the next decade, or so."Before the idea is rejected out of hand, I suggest we ask the three people our Princess would like to be part of the Regency if they would accept the nomination," the Golden Mare continued. "Shawnee Arinniti?""I bow to the logic and reason of the proposal," Shawnee replied."Rhada Meenakshi?""I wish to join my sisters in battle, yet I accept the reasoning behind the proposal," Rhada nodded. "If my Head of House agrees, I will stay and do my part for our People." What was she saying to me? 'You are going to whip me, beat me, torture me, humiliate me and push me to beyond the limits of any pain I have experienced until I pass out ~ repeatedly'."I despair of finding any other compromise," Mahdi frowned. "If my Apprentice understands the greater difficulty she will face gaining prestige among her House-mates, I will consent to this proposal." Essentially a 'yes'."Buffy Ishara?""I was really looking forward to ripping the spines out of still living foes, but I would be a fool to go against Aya of Kururiyahhssi's smarts. If Wakko Ishara wants to walk out of this room unassisted, he will see the wisdom of this decision as well," she gave me a shark's smile. Daphne had surpassed her limit and punched Buffy."Hell ya, I agree," I exclaimed. "Now I know there will be certain times of the day when she isn't stalking me.""I'll work more pain into our limited schedule," Buffy grumbled."Are we sure he is the House Head and she is the Apprentice?" Yet another House Head joined the 'shit on me' train.It was telling of our group dynamic how we accepted the Pyramid of Pain. The underlings dispensed advice and violence as they felt necessary without their 'superior' getting pissy about it. Buffy felt totally justified hitting me and accepted being hit by Daphne, who continued to act unimpeded as Buffy's rapid-fire translator."If I was House Head, I'd handcuff him to me," Buffy clarified for her."What she said," I pointed a thumb Buffy's way. I'd have used a finger, but she might have grabbed, twisted and made me scream in pain."Perhaps the Council can vote on this as their second order of business," Saint Marie cloaked her command as a suggestion."Cáel Wakko Ishara, can I ask you a personal question?" Kohar of Marda caught my attention."Shoot, wait, probably not the best terminology in this crowd. Ask away," I replied."Have you faced a House challenge yet?""Yes. Just last night in fact. We free-climbed the north-face of Havenstone. I beat the next closest contender by three floors. I also had Princess Aya on the roof dropping bricks on anyone who attempted to get past me.""That means he isn't going to answer you," Beyoncé  interpreted for my audience."Can't you ever take these meetings seriously?" Febe Mielikki glowered."La, Febe, in the past few minutes I have watched the person I love most in the world get her life shat on," I shook my head."The only thing worse than seeing this happen to Aya is knowing this is her sole opportunity to not lose her soul, so I'm sucking up my heart's pain and putting forward a jester's persona so I don't put any more pressure on her than she's already been subjected to. Like me, she doesn't want the distinction of being a Person of Note.""Like me, she knows she must sacrifice her dreams for the sake of our People, the Amazon Host. Trust me, you would rather have 'me, the jester' than 'me, the Amazon' furious with the destiny that has foisted this pain on her'. Do any of you take responsibility for forcing the events of this morning?" I growled. If they wanted to see the other side of the Janus, so be it."Had you chosen a Regency in the fucking weeks you've been bickering, Kwenhamai could have been dealt with privately. The fate of the Royal House could have been put off a few years. Had you not all been so dead-set on being heroines of the Host, three of you would have sacrificed your bloodlust, your birthright and the future accolades you could recite on your final night (before taking themselves to the cliff), but none of you did.""Instead, you set the stage for dumping all of your indecisiveness on the slender shoulders of a nine year old girl most of you had written off as too fractured and frail to survive her 12th year only three months ago. So Febe how do you like the honest 'me'?" I finished off furiously.It was not lost on anyone in the chamber I was an Amazon raging against the cruelty of fate. Every other bitch in the room knew they had discarded my daughter's life as trivial and I was prepared to unleash violence on the next one to show an ounce of disrespect over Aya's surrendering of her destiny and my grief at failing to find a way to stop this from coming to pass. St Marie had just reminded them that I was 'reliably" successful despite my handicaps. Not an enemy anyone in the room wanted any part of. Saku would have been proud.A Note:I have been remiss in informing my readers of the names of the 53 Houses, even though I created it some time ago. I have made a few alterations to the original version as I've had to rethink certain parts of this tale, but here is the list I now use.List of Goddesses:The First Twenty Houses in no particular order :1) Ishara, Oaths, Medicine and War (to North America) (died out 450 CE; Reborn in 2014)2)   (Deceased) Anat, Goddess of War, Fury and Blood Sacrifice (died out 6th cent. BCE) ~ possibly resurrected by Sakunyias3) Anahit, water, wisdom and war (to North America)4) Arinniti, Sun Goddess (to North America)5) Hanwasuit, Sovereign Goddess6) Illuyankamunus, Dragon God (to North America) (Special Case)7) Inara, the Hunter Goddess8)  au ka, fertility, War, healing9) Kamrusepa, Healing medicine magic (to Africa)10) Lelwani, Goddess of the Underworld (to Africa)11) Hapantali, Pastoral Goddess.12) Hatepuna, Sea Goddess (to India)13) Hannahannah, Mother Goddess14) Moirai, Fate15) Selardi, Lunar Goddess (to Africa)16) Nammu, Primordial Sea, sailing, sailors (to India) (to Indonesia)17) Uttu, Goddess of plants (to Africa)18) Lahar, Cattle Goddess (to Africa)19) Ereshkigal, Queen of the underworld (to India)20) Istustaya and Papaya, Twin Goddesses of Destiny (to North America)Additional Houses, founded in Europe:(Code: Sc = Scythian; T = Thracian, P, Phrygian, C = Celtic, R = Roman, Sl = Slavic)21) (Sc) Marda, the One-Eyed Goddess/Vengeance {fantasy creation}22) (Sc) Farānak, A Scythian Goddess also known as the Lynx Goddess and the Silent Huntress (Dora)23) (Sc) Stolgos, Monstrous Slayer of Greeks (known to the Greeks as the Gorgon Stheno) {semi-historical}24) (T) Cotyttia, Thracian Goddess of Sex, War and Slaughter (to North America)25) (T) Bendis, Thracian Goddess of the Moon and Hunting.26) (T) Semele/Rajah, Thracian Goddess of the Earth and Birth (to India)27) (T) Hylonome, Centaur Goddess28) (P) Cybele, Phrygians Earth Goddess on Lion's throne (to the Amazon)29) (C) Andraste, War Goddess; also Goddess of the Moon and Divination; 'the Rabbit Goddess'30) (C) Epona, Horses (to North America)31) (C) Cyhiraeth, Goddess of springs whose war cry precedes death (to Africa)32) (C) Maeve, War Goddess, the Enslaver of Men33)   (Deceased) (C) Nantosuelta, Earth, Fire and Fertility (died out 1st cent. BCE)34) (C) Artio, the Bear Goddess (to North America)35) (C) Nemain, Goddess of War and Panic36) (R) Minerva, Roman Goddess of War & Strategy37)   (Deceased) (R) Diana, Hunting and Archery (died out in India 16th cent. CE)38) (Sl)  iva, Love and Fertility49) (Sl) Morė, Goddess of harvest, witchcraft, winter and death (to North America)40) (Sl) Zorja, The twin Guardians (Evening/Morning Stars)41)   (Sl) Oźwiena, fame and glory (died out in 1944)42)   (Sl) Koliada, Sky Goddess and deity of sunrises/dawn (died out 17th cent CE)43) (F) Mielikki, Goddess of the Hunt44) (N) Ska i, giantess, Goddess of bow-hunting, skiing, winter, and mountainsAdditional Houses, founded in In dia:45) (I) Mookambika, Demon Slayers46) (I) Bhadra, Goddess of the Hunt (to Indonesia)47) (I) Meenakshi, The Liberator (Rhada and Madi's House)48) (I) Durga (Dark Mother) (to Indonesia)49) (I) Chandala Bhikshuki, Queen of Night, Death, Destruction and Rebirth50) (I) Jaya (Goddess of Victory)51)   (I) Chelamma, the Scorpion Queen (died out 16th cent.)Additional Houses, founded in Africa:52) (A) Oshun, (Yoruba Goddess of Love, Sexuality, Beauty and Diplomacy; Lady of the Orisha ~ life spirits)53) (A) Yemonja, Mother of Rivers (to the Amazon)54) (A) Oba, Goddess of Betrayal and Exile55) (A) Ox ssi, Goddess of Hunting, Forests, Animals and Wealth56) (A) Jengu, Goddess of Jungles and Water SpiritsAdditional Houses: founded in North America(NT = Native Tribal)57) (NT) Uusheenhiton (noo'uusooo' heeninouhuusei hitoniho') (Arapaho), Storm Horse Sister {fantasy creation}58) (NT) Gahe, Apache (supernatural spirits who live in the mountains)Prospective House:59) New, (Hittite) SzelAnya, the Dragon's DaughterCurrent Number of Central Houses:12 in North America (9+Ishara from Europe and 2 native)10 in Africa (6 from Europe and 5 native)3 in Amazonia (1 from Africa and 2 from Europe)8 in India (3 from Europe and 7 native)3 in Indonesia (2 from India and 1 from Europe)17 in Europe6 Deceased{7:35 am Sunday, September 7th ~ Last day}Right where we left offMy rage over Aya wasn't called into question or challenged. Practicality had trumped tradition in the inevitable Amazon fashion. The only one elevated in anyone's eyes was Aya. Krasimira's apparent political adventurism was probably hard for the others to deal with. But in context, only Mahdi, Katrina and Saint Marie had seen her denounce Hayden, so this seemed a new side of Krasimira to most people in the room.Krasimira wasn't the spiritual authority, that was Hayden. She wasn't the Generalissimo, that was Saint Marie. Katrina and I were both appointed officials, we retained our House status. Saint Marie would die a member of House Inara and join her ancestors with pride. Her litany of accomplishments were well known to the Host.But Krasimira? She would die a member of House Cybele unheralded. The Keeper of Records recorded the feats of others, not their own. Nearly two generations ago, a young Krasimira had joined the Keeper's House as a guardian to an un-remembered (save by her) augur. The augur passed and she took up other duties within the house.When the old Keeper faced her final months, she elevated Krasimira to her spot. High Priestess Hayden had approved the choice without really knowing who Krasimira was. (No one outside the House of the Keeper had personal bonds with her anymore.) Seamlessly, she had sat in the old Keeper's seat and the Council kept chugging along.For the past eight years, she had sat quietly at Hayden's side and only speaking when addressed. Mostly, she did nothing overt. The actual note-taking was done by an underling. The Keeper took her own private notes squirreled away in her mind, to be written when she was by herself. Those notes would be handed over to her successor, for the Keepers' eyes and theirs alone.I don't think Krasimira knew me in particular when she dutifully followed Hayden into these chambers the day my death, or life in a cage, was bantered about. It was the day we first crossed paths. She would have known of Shawnee's request for the tooth of an Isharan, though she lacked the authority to ask why. (She wasn't a voting member of the Council.)But when Shawnee made her claim, Krasimira hadn't balked in her support, despite the oddity of Shawnee's declarations, I was indeed Ishara and my sisters could not dispose of me. The outrage of the others meant nothing to her. She pursued her obligations with true Amazon fearlessness both inside and outside of the Council.On the night of the 2nd Betrayal, a Keeper had sat there in silence as her fellow Amazons, the Ash Men, were sentenced to an unjust death. She'd had neither the numbers nor the authority to alter events, what else could she have done?So the Keepers kept track of the names of nineteen 'unaccounted for' Ash Men. For what purpose? An episode of Amazon history no one would ever want to revisit? Yet in my hour of need, coming back 2,600 years was the name 'Vranus of Ishara', sitting only a few keystrokes away. No one, save a few Arinniti diehards, wanted to know the truth of the Amazon Ash Men; and even they didn't want to remember us as individuals. To them, Vranus existed as a notation on the secret Charter of the Arinniti Sons.To Krasimira, Vranus had been a living, breathing warrior of the Host, not even dead, still mythically fighting the enemies of our race because his death had never been officially recorded. With my appearance, I stood in mute testimony to his death, and that of his sons and their sons for a damn long time.Still, I hated playing catch-up.With the Amazon custom of adoption, had no one asked if another possible Isharan heritage still persisted?I would bet they had. And I'd bet they had sought for that knowledge in the Rolls of the Host, always finding that pathway devoid of hope. But if the Keeper had known, why had she kept quiet?Pride, shame, Krasimira's words: we show anger when we should show humility. We are proud of our shame. We are arrogant of our weaknesses. We have heaped insult upon insult on our ancestors, yet are now aghast that they turn away from us, I had confused her soliloquy with that of an accusation, not the long held understanding of her office.Even staring extinction in face, the modern Host hadn't truly accepted the answer, the line of Vranus. Faced with the truth, the Amazons would have 'forgotten' the descendants of Vranus all those centuries ago in the same way they 'forgot' all the other Ash Men on the day I was brought into the Host.But the Keepers did something more than maintain the rolls and records of the Amazons, more than watch over the augurs and make sure their messages made it to the proper ears. They safeguarded the truth. No matter what the Council decided and the High Priestess commanded, the Keepers remained honest stewards of the real history of the Amazons.Why?The Amazons were terribly practical and the truth could run contrary to the needs of political reality. Honesty wasn't a highly stressed Amazon virtue, loyalty was. So was bravery. And thus generation after generation of Keepers had lied to the Council and the High Priestesses. Every time those august personages had committed something to 'the nothingness', the Keepers had defied them and not forgotten.The first heads of the first twenty houses had surrendered their names for the unity of their people, but the Keepers remembered. All twenty of those women had been of the Amazon tribe of the Pala people living on the southern coast of the Black Sea when the Trojan Wars began. Over time, their true blood descendants had founded new houses and been adopted into others.Aya was truly a daughter of Kururiyahhssi; I had no doubt of that anymore. Had she not shared the same blood as the first Amazon, Krasimira wouldn't have brought Aya and Kwen together. Resurrecting an ancient tradition in a complicated fallacious coup attempt wasn't in her; nor was such a maneuver even a necessity. The Host would elect a Regency eventually and Saint Marie was handling the war in a highly competent fashion.So Krasimira hadn't sought out the heirs of Vranus, yet when one appeared, she welcomed 'him'. And when she stepped into the President's office with Hayden while waiting for me to be brought upstairs to face judgement that night, I imagined sending Hayden to the cliffs was the farthest thing from her mind.The rest were playing politics, gender politics, and couldn't see the truth staring Krasimira in the face. The truth was a bitch and didn't play favorites, or worry about the sensibilities of others. Krasimira had seen her sisters refusing to acknowledge the ugly reality they had created for themselves.Krasimira wasn't an advocate for Ishara, that was my job, and my crappy performance was something between Dot and me. She wasn't an advocate for the males and the New Directive. That was what Katrina was for. No, like a hundred Keepers before her, Krasimira was the silent sentinel for the Truth and, the Truth didn't care about anything but the Truth."The assassin is indeed in this room. Its name is Amazon was a rather grand pronouncement from the Chief Librarian, wasn't it? Krasimira didn't chastise Hayden. That wasn't her place. Technically, neither was she disputing Hayden's ability to rule.This wasn't the climax of a dinner-theater 'Who Done It'. The crime before the High Priestess was High Treason and I was the pre-ordained guilty party. My 'ally', Katrina Epona, had not been an advocate for my defense. No. Again in my Hour of Need it was Krasimira.Lacking any true authority, she had defied her sisters and made her definitive statement. What truly transpired was Krasimira staring Hayden straight in the eyes and saying 'you cannot lie your way out of this one, High Priestess. We (as in all the Keepers past and present) will not let you'.Had she used those words, Saint Marie would have gotten around to asking what Krasimira meant. Krasimira would have rather died, because once those bitches discovered their nerdy sisters hadn't erased a damn thing in 3,000 years, they would insist they do so immediately. Krasimira wasn't about to do that. Thanks to the chaos surrounding Hayden's departure, no one had confronted her over her crucial action.To put it more precisely, the Golden Mare had been too busy and Mahdi had been wrapped up in Hayden's Decree and the resulting pressure on the Heads of House to pick the Regency. Katrina was probably a case of I'm not going to ask you so you don't have to lie to me. The only other living person in the room when Hayden's fate was sealed was me, and I'd had my hands full as well.I had to think about what I should and could do. I couldn't beat her up over Aya anymore than I could punish my Isharans for their misplaced arrogance. I decided to extend a 'thank you'; and not only for myself, but for every conceited bitch who had ever sat at this table, or all the other physical mediums the Council had used before this one.We held three votes: The Council couldn't collectively decide on how to implement Aya's other likes (1), so they agreed on her suggestion for a Regency instead (2). The final vote was to set a date for the next Council meeting (3). A date within 9 days of the Winter Solstice with the Regency to decide the precise date and give the House Heads two weeks warning.The last calamity at the meeting was initiated by a question of etiquette."How do we address the Princess at Council meetings?" the Head of House Hanwasuit inquired of Krasimira."There is no precedent for addressing the Iwaruwa alone. By our laws, she is not truly Dumalugal Aya either. She is Nasusara," Krasimira responded. Queen."She is a child," a third House Head declared, "not an Amazon.""No," Mahdi shook her head. "A, Aya is 'un-casted'. She bears an honorific presented to her by the leader of an established stronghold (Summer Camp) and confirmed by the Golden Mare minutes ago.""Congratulations my mamētu me eda," I winked to my past and present Princess, "you've just become a single-digit aged teenager.""Go Aya," Daphne and Buffy whispered behind me. Aya raised her hand, waiting for Saint Marie's recognition.However, Saint Marie moved steadily forward, declaring: "Until the Regency alters my decision, I decline assigning anyone to the Iwaruwa (heiress) whose sole purpose would be to stop her from sneaking off to endure her 12th Year Test. I judge it to be better we know where we placed her as opposed to failing to outsmart her as she needlessly proves to the Host she is, in fact, already an Amazon of the Host." Aya lowered her hand.Thus,'Yes, Aya is an Amazon of the Host' and 'Aya will take her 12th Year Test because she wants to take it, won't let us talk her out of taking it and the rest of us had better accept it'."So, she is our Queen then?"No one appeared to have an answer. Aya raised her hand once more."Yes?" the Golden Mare smiled down at her."Am I in charge?" Aya's other hand squeezed Saint Marie's as she spoke in a barely audible voice."Perhaps.""If I was in charge, I would like it if there was a law that declared the Queen of the Amazons would be officially represented by a Regency until she becomes casted, and antedate the law by one hour so this never, ever comes up again," Aya kept looking up at Saint Marie."Aya," Katrina exhaled.The council chamber was a mixture of awe, resentment and amusement. If Aya was Queen, she could make such a law. The Queen-ship was a Bronze Age autocratic institution designed to provide leadership to a 'state' in near-constant warfare with is neighbors.It was guided by oral traditions and military necessity, not written laws. As long as the queens provided successes on the battlefield and through diplomacy, she was deemed fit to rule. The traditional way of choosing a House Head was the same for the Royal House, the ruling Queen chose an heir.In the long list of Queens, less than half had been the 'eldest' child. No, those ancient War Leaders picked the bravest, smartest and most successful daughters to succeed them. Their wisdom in those selections showed in the fact the Amazons had held off a male-dominated world for over 600 years before fatally marching off to answer an ally's call to fight in the Trojan War."I advise against it," Saint Marie shook her head. "You are young. You are also the only Royal we have. Duty demands and sisters must always answer their sister's call."Translation: Aya was an adult now. It was similar to the first lesson Pamela gave me upon learning I was Ishara. We lived with bitches, it doesn't pay to play nice with bitches."Thank you," Aya nodded. She was 'thanking' Saint Marie for the lesson, no matter how hard it was to accept. Krasimira coughed."Now that the matter is settled," she spoke. The matter wasn't settled. Krasimira was steamrollering the discussion. "What do we call you?", to Aya."I, oh," in a very small voice. Aya's brow furrowed and her tiny nose wiggled. "I wish to be known by the legacy of my Anna (mother) and Atta (me, Cáel). I will be Assiyai hamai.""Love song?" Daphne murmured to Buffy."Assiyai hamai?" Krasimira asked for clarification. 'Love-song' was hardly the name of a 'fierce' Amazon Queen."The only other name I could come up with was Markappidusmene, which seemed less auspicious," she meeped. Markappidusmene meant 'Tiny Smile'."Perhaps Talliyahulla would be more auspicious?" Saint Marie nudged Aya. 'War Cry'."Oh no!" Aya balked. "That's your job.""What do you think your job is?" the Golden Mare questioned, suddenly realizing she'd made the mistake of making assumptions where Aya was concerned."To go to the cliffs with twice as many Amazon daughters, each equal to the likes of Saint Marie, Katrina, Oneida, Buffy, Elsa, Kohar and Tad fi as exist today. We must not 'survive', or simply replenish our numbers."We must become stronger because the World is a terribly messed up place," she raised her wounded hand and splayed her digits for the others to see the two she was missing, "and has become too small for us to seek safety in hidden freeholds any longer. If we cannot hide, we must rule openly. We are Amazons. Having no equals, we must rule alone. The only people we can trust, really trust, are the sisters at our sides."My job is to advance my People's cause with both compassion and cruelty and I will do so alone, because the Amazon Queen has no equals, only daughters."Not a sound. I could count out the individual fan blades recycling the air."Let our enemies tremble," Saint Marie nodded, repeating an earlier declaration."Assiyai hamai," Krasimira intoned, making Aya's royal name official before adding, "Assiyai hamai, you are mistaken about one thing. You are not alone. You have a mamētu me eda.""Oh," she perked up, shedding the gloom which surrounded her. She looked at me, our eyes met and we both grinned, then she giggled...and yet again, up her hand went."Yes?" Saint Marie looked upon Aya respectfully and then at me with much suspicion."Is the mamētu me eda of my mamētu me eda also my mamētu me eda?" Aya asked.Just like old times, only Katrina was ahead of the game. "Oh, by Epona," the Spy-mistress snorted."Cáel Wakko Ishara, who is your mamētu me eda, oh no," Saint Marie bristled."Ah, indeed," Krasimira nodded. "An unlooked for bonus.""Does someone care to enlighten the rest of us?" the head of House Nemain prodded."Oh!" That was Elsa."That's right!" Oneida, she was definitely a fan of me and my spasmodic lifestyle."Wakko Ishara's mamētu me eda, other mamētu me eda, is Temujin, Great Khan of the Reborn Mongol-Turkish Khanate and ally of the Host," Saint Marie let them know. "They are bonded by Cáel risking his own life to save Temujin's. It is actually a privately understood and publically declared fact.""In Temujin's words to the international press when our Cáel and our new Queen were kidnapped : I believe Cáel is still alive. If he wasn't, we would be seeing piles upon piles of dead enemy around him and his 'boon companion', clearly visible from orbit. Until they discover this carnal pit from Hell, I am sure they are both still alive," Oneida added. Rhada flashed ill-distilled hate her way."Shawnee, is your Apprentice's mind addled with the birthing hormones of their child?" Mahdi snipped. That was merely a cultural zing, not an attempt to expose my sinister erotic misdoings. Unfortunately, she was somewhat correct. Okay, she was totally correct."That was uncalled for," Shawnee graciously chided Mahdi, thus demonstrating her ignorance of the facts soon to be in evidence."Yes, I am carrying a child of Arinniti and Ishara," Oneida proclaimed loud and proud. "We share a Warrior's Love."I wasn't really sure how anyone else reacted to the news because House Ishara exploded into violence. That is the politic way of saying Daphne and Juanita were trying to stop Buffy from beating me to death. Here was yet another Ishara-baby and it wasn't gestating inside her. I was too stunned to defend myself.And the old refrain: 'and then it got worse'."Ta  ah kattanda!" (IN HITTITE for 'you pig's ass'), Rhada howled. I missed her drawing her blade, vaulting to the top of the table and lunging at Oneida. Most of the Amazons in the room stood, yet held their ground.They weren't shocked into indecisiveness, only trying to understand the nature of the conflict before intervening. This was not the first 'your Amazon did something my Amazon found infuriating' public threat they had to have dealt with. Rhada was more volatile than the average woman of her breed and station, true, but a violent in-chamber assault?That wasn't the 'worse' though. Oneida drawing her blade in an open challenge to Rhada wasn't the worse either, nor was her shouting."He loves me! He merely saved you!"Saint Marie yelling 'Ishara! Ishara!' over and over again, demanding I put my house back in order wasn't the end of my woes, nope.Me being yanked free of my House fur-ball into the volcanic gaze of Elsa as she seethed, "Rhada?" Oh yeah, Elsa's people and Rhada's people had a bit of a blood feud going on, how could I have forgotten that?But wait!"Not Fabiola!" gasped Messina, bizarrely assuming I slept with, okay, not such a huge assumption."Gael?" voiced by the Head of House Bendis, followed by Gael's "I'm late.""Damn it!" I pulled away from Elsa (slightly)."No. She only lets me ejaculate on 'safe days'," to Messina, Fabiola's Mom."Oh, come on! We had sex one time!" to Gael of Bendis, and finally,"Stop it!" to Rhada and Oneida, (deep breathe). "Really?" with my most believable happy face plastered on. "This is great news!"No. No it wasn't, and I could read the ugly emotional undercurrents on the faces of everyone present, except Aya, who kept the faith."Ishara," Saint Marie rumbled. I held up one finger to forestall her wrath."Oneida, Rhada and I have already decided to name our daughter Parvati. My daughter by Tad fi, ordained by the Goddess to be the first born, will be named Shala while my first son will be called Harki heni (White Hair, I'd call him Raider when we were in the 'outside' world).""My daughter by Miyako Yuri will be named Suwais-urāni, Fushichou in her Mother's tongue, in honor of Sakuniyas. My, other relationships," I would have liked to say 'none of your business', except Amazon mothers, or not, those children would be of Ishara's blood and potentially their kin.

Abubakr Ali starred in Anything's Possible (MGM/Orion Pictures) dir. Billy Porter, and was the titular lead in Netflix/Dark Horse's series “Grendel.” He recently finished working on Kathryn Bigelow's upcoming untitled Netflix feature film. Other credits include “Law & Order: Organized Crime” (NBC), “Walking Dead: World Beyond” (AMC), “Power Book II: Ghost” (Starz) and “Katy Keene” (CW). Theatre credits include Toros (Second Stage), Inherit the Wind (Pasadena Playhouse), We Live in Cairo (A.R.T.), Kiss (Yale Rep), Twelfth Night (Yale Rep) and work with The 24 Hour Plays, Roundabout Theatre Company, NYTW, Atlantic Theater Com­ pany, The Public and others. MFA: Yale School of Drama. @theabubakrali Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We've hit the midway mark of the 20s decade, so it's a good time to look back and appreciate the best doom tracks issued this decade so far. Warning: we lean heavily toward the stoner doom side of the equation, but there is some sludge and psych representation as well. Doom on!!!! Side 1 (0:00) "Grendel": GRAND MAGUS - Sunraven (3:21) "Astro Tongue": HEX A.D. - Astro Tongue in the Electric Garden (7:46) "High Noon in Sword City": 10,000 YEARS - All's Quiet on the Final Frontier (11:36) "Age of the Idiot": FREEDOM HAWK - Take All You Can (15:32) "Bending the Will": BLACK FLARE - S/T Side 2 (19:51) "Dwarvanaught": PETH - Merchant of Death (24:28) "Earthrise": THE QUILL - Earthrise (29:02) "Ash and Stone": MOONSTONE - S/T (38:08) "Wish You Well": ERIC WAGNER - In the Light of Mournin

In this episode, we're kicking things off with a little personal drama—stress literally threw my back out, leaving me flat on my back contemplating life (and the plot of my next movie). Then, we dive into the curious case of Gene Hackman's passing, unpacking some mysterious details surrounding the legendary actor's natural yet puzzling death. Could it be the start of a real-life Hollywood thriller?For movie fans, we explore the world of Beowulf adaptations, dissecting everything from the gritty Beowulf & Grendel to the bizarre animated take by Robert Zemeckis. Which one truly captures the epic poem, and which one left us scratching our heads? Plus, a hilarious breakdown of our signature movie rating system: Binge Now, Binge Later, or Binge Never.As always, there's a detour into nostalgia—this time, it's all about 80s Care Bears bubblegum (don't ask, just watch). So, whether you're here for some juicy Hollywood mystery, epic movie battles, or just a good laugh, this episode has it all!

The boys drink and review one of Pigweed's homebrews, then discuss the Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf. What makes Beowulf such a timeless epic? In this episode of Beer and Conversation with Pigweed and Crowhill, we dive into the legendary Old English poem, exploring its themes of heroism, honor, and the battle between good and evil.We discuss Beowulf's iconic fights with Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon—unpacking the deeper meanings behind these monstrous encounters. How does Beowulf reflect the values of warrior culture? What does it reveal about fate, leadership, and the tension between pagan and Christian worldviews?Join us as we break down the literary significance of Beowulf, its historical context, and why it still resonates today.

Connor and Dylan are joined by Abubakr Ali (Dakar 2000, Anything's Possible). HOT off of their girls and gays trip to Miami, the twins are sunkissed and stoked to chat with Abubakr Ali, the star of MTC's Dakar 2000. This charming and wonderful leading man joins them days before opening night of his new play to discuss whether the rumors are true: is the show a spy thriller? Is it the theatre's answer to Babygirl? Wait and see, y'all… Abubakr describes how he got involved with the play, the creative process, and what it's like being in an intimate two-hander like Dakar 2000. We also dive deep into his love for the musical Once, his years studying at NYU and Yale (and the years out in LA in between!), and how New York has become home. The TV credits are boundless, but of course Connor and Dylan need to know about the Riverdale spinoff Katy Keene, as well as The Walking Dead: World Beyond and Law & Order: Organized Crime (go off, spinoff king). We get into the heartbreak of Netflix's Grendel never getting finished for public eyes, what it was like for the MacDowells to see Antoni Porowski in the flesh, and so much more. You're going to absolutely fall in loveeeee with Abubakr. Mwah!Follow Abubakr on Instagram & TiktokFollow DRAMA. on Twitter & Instagram & TiktokFollow Connor MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramFollow Dylan MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramSubscribe to our show on iHeartRadio Broadway!Support the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

J 6/10 M 9/10 For daily horror movie content follow the podcast on Twitter / Instagram @darkroastcult Each week we choose a movie from one of the horror genre to discuss the following week. Follow along each week by keeping up with the movies we are watching to stay in the loop with the movie club! Check out other podcasts, coffee and pins at www.darkroastcult.com ! THANKS TO ANDREW FOR MAKING THE INTRO SONG. (soundcloud.com / andoryukesuta)@andoryukesuta In 2008, mass murderer Jason Voorhees gets captured by the United States government and held at the Crystal Lake Research Facility. By 2010, after numerous failed attempts to kill Jason, government scientist Rowan LaFontaine, head of the facility, suggests putting him in cryogenic stasis. Dr. Wimmer and Sergeant Marcus arrive with soldiers, hoping to further research Jason's ability to heal from lethal wounds, as they believe it involves rapid cellular regeneration that can be replicated. Jason breaks free of his restraints and murders the soldiers and Dr. Wimmer. Rowan lures him into a cryogenic pod, but he ruptures the pod with his machete, stabbing her in the abdomen. Cryogenic fluid spills into the sealed room, freezing them both. In the year 2455, Earth is too polluted to support life and humans have moved to a new planet, Earth II. On a field trip to Earth I, Professor Brandon Lowe, his android companion KM-14, intern Adrienne Thomas, and students Tsunaron, Janessa, Azrael, Kinsa, Waylander, and Stoney explore the abandoned Crystal Lake Research Facility, finding the frozen Jason and Rowan. They bring them aboard their spaceship, the Grendel, and revive Rowan while leaving Jason in the morgue, believing him to be dead. Adrienne is ordered to dissect Jason's body but Rowan warns them of the danger, revealing Jason's nature and superhuman abilities. Lowe, who is in serious debt, calls his financial backer Dieter Perez on the nearby space station Solaris. Perez recognizes Jason's name and notes his body could interest a collector. While Stoney and Kinsa have sex, Jason awakens and attacks Adrienne, freezing her face with liquid nitrogen before smashing her head to pieces on a counter. Jason takes a machete-shaped surgical tool and kills Stoney in front of Kinsa. Sergeant Brodski leads a group of soldiers to attack Jason. Jason interrupts a projected holographic game, breaking Azrael's back and bashing crewman Dallas's skull in. He tries to attack engineer Crutch, but Brodski and his soldiers arrive. After Brodski splits up his team, Jason kills them one by one. Lowe orders pilot Lou to dock at Solaris. Jason kills Lou and the ship crashes through Solaris, destroying it. Jason breaks into the lab, reclaims his machete and decapitates Lowe. With the Grendel crippled, the survivors head for a shuttle while Tsunaron upgrades KM-14. After crew member Crutch is electrocuted by Jason, Kinsa attempts to escape on her own, but forgets to release the shuttle's fuel lines, causing it to crash into the ship and explode, thus incinerating Kinsa. Tsunaron reappears with an upgraded KM-14 who wields weapons and combat skills to stand a better chance against Jason. After having his right arm, left leg, right ribs, and part of his head blasted off by KM-14, Jason's body is knocked into a nanite-equipped medical station. The survivors send a distress call, then set explosive charges to separate the ship's undamaged pontoon from the main section. The medical station nanites rebuild Jason, who becomes a cyborg. With his new strength, Jason easily defeats KM-14 by punching her head off. As Tsunaron recovers her still-functioning head, Jason is stopped by Waylander, who sacrifices himself by setting off the charges while the others escape. Jason survives and punches a hole through the hull, causing Janessa to die in the vacuum. A power failure with the docking door forces Brodski to go outside in an EVA suit to fix it.

The chilling tale of Grendel Jonah and the mysterious virus sweeping UNOWs Antarctic dumping facility continues. Alexander is revealed to have Grendel roots, we got more info about Jonah's Grendel initiation and the virus rips through the base at a new pace! All that and more...THIS WEEK! Written by STEVE SEAGLE Art and lettering by PAUL GRIST Color work by BERNIE MIREAULT & KATHRYN DELANEY Cover art by MATT WAGNER Main podcast page: https://thedevilindetail.libsyn.com Eli Schwab https://cosmiclionproductions.com/ @CosmicLion on Instagram Ben Granoff @BenGranoff on Instagram Watch Ben's new vids!! https://www.youtube.com/@UCGAbqwJ07N80xYht2HpqujA Much love to Matt Wagner who is now has an amazing NEW website!! https://mattwagnercomics.art/ Check out Brennan Wagner's killer website!! https://brennanwagnerart.com/ We are also on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-devil-in-detail/id1515990826 and Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/show/1jzmBWoPHse5b2oNVbMwOu?si=OFofifuxTyKjeITOmHWxQA  

In a post apocalyptic, medieval, steampunk world, a man walking around with his own armory of weapons and a dark past arrives at a trading outpost cursed with a great evil that he's been hunting. Add in some industrial techno music, a gratuitous amount of somersaults, and a gigantic straight razor guillotine…and you've got 1999's interpretation of the Old English epic poem BEOWULF! Didn't see that coming, did ya?! Come for the Christopher Lambert, but stick around for Grendel's hot MILF!!!

This week we are going to talk about the most famous force of vengeance in English literature- Grendel's mother. She is known as the mother of revenge but why? And more importantly- did he have it coming?Support the showFollow us on Twitter and Instagram: https://twitter.com/MythsMovies https://instagram.com/mythsinmovies

Episode #356 of BGMania: A Video Game Music Podcast. This week on the show, Bryan from RPGera closes out the month of January 2025 with another eclectic mix in Radio Hour, Volume 71! Email the show at bgmaniapodcast@gmail.com with requests for upcoming episodes, questions, feedback, comments, concerns, or whatever you want! Special thanks to our Executive Producers: Jexak, Xancu & Jeff. EPISODE PLAYLIST AND CREDITS Stage 1 from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind [Sean Bialo, 2024] The Garden of the Hungry Swarm from Azure Striker Gunvolt [Ryo Kawakami, 2014] Electronica of the Soul from Persona 4 Arena [Shoji Meguro/Atsushi Kitajoh, 2012] Atomichron -Clockzone- from 30XX [Cityfires, 2023] Arteries from Astalon: Tears of the Earth [Matt Kap, 2021] Home Call from Road 96 [The Toxic Avenger, 2021] Rise of the Grendel from The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak [Mitsuo Singa, 2021] Blood Snow from Slitterhead [Akira Yamaoka feat. Liang XiangNing, 2024] Hangover from Slitterhead [Akira Yamaoka, 2024] Game of Reincarnation from Slitterhead [Akira Yamaoka feat. Liang XiangNing, 2024] The Strength to Stand Alone -Horizon Theme- from Astro Bot [Kenneth C. M. Young, 2024] So Much More! from Yakuza 5 [Zenta Tsuchihashi feat. Rie Kugimiya, Ryoko Shiraishi & Ai Nonaka, 2012] Into the Legend from Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake [Koichi Sugiyama, 2024] Butcher's Bridge -Late Game- from League of Legends: Season 5 [Alexander Temple, 2019] SUPPORT US Patreon: https://patreon.com/rpgera CONTACT US Website: https://rpgera.com Discord: https://discord.gg/cC73Heu Twitch: https://twitch.tv/therpgera Twitter: https://twitter.com/OriginalLDG Instagram: https://instagram.com/bryan.ldg/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/leveldowngaming RPGERA PODCAST NETWORK Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast The Movie Bar

Evil gets an upgrade. BANG-UARY concludes as your hosts return to their old buddy Jason Voorhees with the 2001 installment JASON X. Jason Voorhees is cryogenically frozen at the start of the 21st century, only to be discovered and revived in the 25th century where he stalks and kills the young crew of spaceship Grendel. Will The Boys make it to Earth II alive? Find out here! Also this week:  Lance's snowmageddon story, "Foreplay the 13th", and the fim's amazing score. All this--and a whole lot more--on this week's episode of NEON BRAINIACS! Check out our Patreon for tons of bonus content, exclusive goodies, and access to our Discord! "Jason-f---ing-Voorhees, that's what's going on!"  ----- Directed by James Isaac Starring Kane Hodder, Lexa Doig, Chuck Campbell, and featuring David Cronenberg      

Back with another All Reading Counts episode, Joshua Noel and TJ Blackwell discuss the Epic Poem, Beowulf! They talk about their history with this book, why it's still relevant today, and how we can learn to be a true hero from stories like this!.What is the story of Beowulf about? What is the true story of Beowulf? Is Beowulf A Saxon or Viking? What does Beowulf teach us? What happens at the end of the Beowulf? What race is Beowulf? What biblical figure is Grendel connected to? Why did Beowulf fight Grendel? What does Beowulf do after he kills Grendel's mother? Was the dragon in Beowulf evil? We discuss all this and more in this one! Join in the conversation with us on Discord now!.Support our show on Captivate or Patreon, or by purchasing a comfy T-Shirt in our store!.Check out the rest of our All Reading Counts series:https://player.captivate.fm/collection/3706021e-22e5-4598-ae1d-732ec8e275a9.Listen to all of Joshua's episodes:https://player.captivate.fm/collection/642da9db-496a-40f5-b212-7013d1e211e0.Check out all of TJ's episodes:https://player.captivate.fm/collection/f4c32709-d8ff-4cef-8dfd-5775275c3c5eMentioned in this episode:You can help support the show on Patreon!Get exclusive access to live recordings, bonus questions, free merch, access to future D&D campaigns, the opportunity to help choose our topics, and much more!SG PatreonSystematic GeekologyOur show focuses around our favorite fandoms that we discuss from a Christian perspective. We do not try to put Jesus into all our favorite stories, but rather we try to ask the questions the IPs are asking, then addressing those questions from our perspective. We are not all ordained, but we are the Priests to the Geeks, in the sense that we try to serve as mediators between the cultures around our favorite fandoms and our faith communities.Anazao Ministries Podcasts - AMP NetworkCheck out other shows like this on our podcast network! https://anazao-ministries.captivate.fm/You can help support the show on Patreon!Get exclusive access to live recordings, bonus questions, free merch, access to future D&D campaigns, the opportunity to help choose our topics, and much more!SG PatreonAnazao Ministries Podcasts NetworkCheck out all of the other AMP shows!

Which cartridge is preferable? The 6.5 Grendel or the 6mm ARC? And how can you spot a tranny? It's a useful skill, we'll talk about it! And look out for the Bird Flu HOAX (it's coming!) ... and don't take their idiotic "vaccines"... and what are some good choices for a .357 Magnum revolver?  We hope you'll tune in! :)

Hwæt a Movie returns with Beowulf: Prince of the Geats! Given how hard this one is to find, we'd be surprised if any of you have seen it. Released in March 2007, shortly after SYFY's Grendel and ahead of Robert Zemeckis's Beowulf, this Scott Wegener-directed indie film dives into the epic tale with a unique take on the hero and his legendary battles. And while the film's limited budget and production constraints might be apparent, its dedication to the original text shines through. Making the film more charming and admirable is the fact that the production team and actors all worked for free on this passion project. All proceeds from the sale of the DVDs for Beowulf: Prince of the Geats went to aid both the American and Norwegian Cancer Societies. Get a sense of the film by watching the trailer here. The film stars both Jayshan Jackson and Damon Lynch III as the younger and older Beowulf. Wegener's decision to depict Beowulf as the son of an adventuring African fisherman offers some interesting possibilities and an approach to the character that we haven't seen yet. It's also one of the few film adaptations to follow Beowulf home to Geatland after his time in Denmark. As always, our episode includes an exhaustive summary of the film, a Q&A discussion, and our final ratings. How do these versions of Beowulf, Grendel, and Grendel's Mother stack up against those we've seen before? And how does this quirky, low-budget film score on its fidelity to the source material and its overall entertainment value? As the length of the episode might suggest, we've got a lot to say about this one. This was a delightful film to unpack, and we hope you enjoy hearing about it as much as we enjoyed discussing it. If you're interested in reading more about Wegener's decision to cast black actors to play Beowulf and the responses it prompted, check out the following articles and discussions: Clark, David. "Race/Ethnicity and the Other in Beowulf". In Beowulf in Contemporary Culture, edited by David Clark, 31-50. Cambridge: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2019. Nokes, Richard Scott. "Beowulf: Prince of the Geats, Nazis, and Odinists". Old English Newsletter. 41, no. 3 (2008): 26–32.   Listen to our overview, watch the trailer (or find the film if you can), and let us know what you think on our social media: Sagathingpodcast on Facebook Sagathingpodcast on Instagram Sagathingpodcast on Bluesky Or join others like you on Saga Thing's unofficial official Discord

We're back and talking about the all new Grendel story, Devil's Crucible Defiance #2. Back on earth after his odyssey Prime finds that Grendels are illegal and unbeknownst to him, the Vampire scourge has risen in place of the Grendels. He runs into a group of Grendels and actions transpires...read along for more! Eli Schwab https://cosmiclionproductions.com/ @CosmicLion on Instagram Ben Granoff @BenGranoff on Instagram Watch Ben's new vids!! https://www.youtube.com/@UCGAbqwJ07N80xYht2HpqujA Much love to Matt Wagner who is now has an amazing NEW website!! https://mattwagnercomics.art/ Check out Brennan Wagner's killer website!! https://brennanwagnerart.com/ We are also on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-devil-in-detail/id1515990826 and Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/show/1jzmBWoPHse5b2oNVbMwOu?si=OFofifuxTyKjeITOmHWxQA  

Hwæt a Movie returns with the Beowulf film you didn't know you needed to see: SYFY's Grendel. Released at the start of 2007, ahead of Beowulf: Prince of the Geats and Robert Zemeckis's Beowulf, Grendel rides the wave of Beowulf-mania that was sweeping nation back then. Or perhaps it started the craze? And while you might think based on the title that this film picks up where Beowulf and Grendel left off with a more nuanced and sympathetic approach to this epic medieval monster, you'd be wrong. Grendel gives us the more violent and aggressive side of this famous shadow-walker. Chris Bruno stars as Beowulf in this Nick Lyon directed film adaptation of our favorite Old English poem. As you'll see, no one can spin a tale of exposition or spin round and round in combat this Beowulf. With Ben Cross as King Hrothgar and Marina Sirtis as his queen, Onela—wait, Queen Onela? If you know your Beowulf, or your Swedish history, then you may have spotted a problem here. But hey, the film also features a crossbow that shoots magic exploding arrows. Realism and textual fidelity isn't what makes this movie fun! Each episode of Hwaet a Movie includes an exhaustive summary and discussion of the film, a brief Q&A, and then our final ratings categories for the film's take on Beowulf, Grendel, and Grendel's mother. We conclude by rating the film for its faithfulness to the source material and then for its entertainment value. This one was a real pleasure to discuss. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did! Once you've listened, reach out and let us know how we did. Was this the perfect Beowulf? Or is there still room for improvement? Have you seen Grendel? Share your thoughts on our social media: Sagathingpodcast on Facebook Sagathingpodcast on Instagram Sagathingpodcast on Bluesky Or join others like you on Saga Thing's unofficial official Discord   All music taken from the film for this episode is by Nathan Furst.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 2, 2024 is: fret • FRET • verb To fret is to worry or be concerned. // I was sure we wouldn't get there in time, but they told me not to fret. See the entry > Examples: “Many communal laundry spaces have rules posted, but over time, they can get lost, forgotten or ignored. If you find yourself in uncertain waters about how to be a good neighbor, don't fret. We asked laundry and etiquette experts for their best tips on how to handle some of the most common faux pas.” — Sophia Solano, The Washington Post, 22 Aug. 2024 Did you know? Fret not about being unfamiliar with the history of the verb fret; we've got something for you to chew on. While fretting today usually involves a concern that is figuratively eating at someone, fret has older senses that apply to literal eating. Fret comes from the Old English verb fretan, “to devour,” which shares an ancestor with another verb, etan, the ancestor of eat. In centuries past, animals—or monsters, in the case of Grendel—were said to fret, as were substances that corrode, or eat away, at other substances. But it wasn't long before fret was also applied to emotional experiences, as when someone frets over an all-consuming thought or trouble. While fret still carries the meanings of “to corrode,” “to fray,” and “to chafe,” among others, one is most likely to encounter its more angsty sense of “to worry or be concerned.”

What If...? Donald Duck Became Thor, Houses of the Unholy, Get Fury, Hello Darkness, Night Club 2, Absolute Power, Bernie Mireault, Mr. Lovenstein Presents: Feelings, The Comics Journal #310, Grendel: Devil's Crucible: Defiance, Nice House by the Sea, plus a whole mess more!

Two stories from Japan about the stories we tell one another. On the first, it's a not-so-famous musician who gets a massive new audience for the legend he has been telling. For the second, it's a man who needs to do his duty...which means doing something terrible to someone he loves. The creature is to Totoima, a boar with a stomach ache...from devouring his children... The Tale of the Heike: https://www.amazon.com/Tale-Heike-Penguin-Classics/dp/0143107267 Doll with human teeth: https://myths.link/monster Membership: https://www.mythpodcast.com/membership --- Sponsors: BetterHelp: Myths and Legends is sponsored by BetterHelp. Never skip therapy day! Go to https://BetterHelp.com/myths to give BetterHelp a try. Quince: Upgrade your wardrobe with pieces made to last at https://Quince.com/legends with free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. --- Music: "Harper's Desk" by Blue Dot Sessions "House of Grendel" by Blue Dot Sessions "An Introduction to Beetles" by Blue Dot Sessions