iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 10h

Good job, Blues! Off to a rollicking start. Could do without TNT villainizing us, but that's to be expected at this point.

000

Reposted by Maelstrom Tear

Morrya🔞🩸🕊️ @morrya.art · 22/09/2026

When someone asks me if one of my OCs is a self-insert, my heart drops to the floor. Bitch, I am pouring my heart and soul into giving my OCs hearts and souls. They ain't empty vessels for my or your ugly asses to inhabit! Now that we settled that, wanna hear me yap for 2 hours about my OCs?

0142

Reposted by Maelstrom Tear

Woolie VS The Algorithm @wooliewoolz.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Thank you! I had more fun than expected. Thanks to @patstaresat.bsky.social for the sherpaing and to everyone that jumped on to play together.

1340232

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

I drew this before @crisscrossstudios.bsky.social crossed the sub goal. Which is good, because I couldn't do it myself! I got real cats to steal my money, @patstaresat.bsky.social and @wooliewoolz.bsky.social ! #patstaresart #woolievsart

3180

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

On this episode of Get into FFXIV, @wooliewoolz.bsky.social is almost at the finish line of ARR! Plus or minus a few detours. And to continue the Samurai Showcase (SamSho?), one Jestream Jo! And then @patstaresat.bsky.social becomes Patdowner after that ending... #patstaresart #woolievsart

In the depths of Dzemael Darkhold, Patron and Jo Guns run through. "They streamlined these dungeons, so it's pretty straightforward..." He explains, unaware that Jo Guns is going the entirely wrong way. Maybe should've drawn her as Zoro...

Jo Guns joins the Desperados. Somebody tell Woolie that it's totally possible to sort of make this with the Late Allagan stuff!

...Nobody tell him that it's all PVP stuff!

Seriously, Raiden's Revengeance fit is ridiculous. Maybe in motion it looks good, but there's so many greebles! So this one died in drafts. The obvious answer was to make Pat himself Sundowner, only solidified by the end of the stream where they were discussing the scheduled finale of A Realm Reborn. Sorry, Patdowner. Can't have that!

08011

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Not sure if I would be looking forward to a potato future... #patstaresart #woolievsart

Patron contemplates his latest Fantasia. While it's thanks to the generosity of his fanbase, it does leave him in perfect punting range from one Jo Guns.

0111

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

On this episode of Get into FFXIV, @wooliewoolz.bsky.social strikes it out on his own! Well, Reggie there for support but without any @patstaresat.bsky.social does this mean he's in? And now "Jo Guns as other samurai" is now a series, I guess! Enjoy some Mugen-style Jo. #woolievsart #patstaresart

While taking on the most recent event, Jo Guns finds her voice. They could've used more of these in the ARR revamp.

Side "how the sausage is made" note, trying to fight Photoshop for mask feathering was such a pain in the butt I gave up. What you're seeing is a cheat of using gradients and the same color as the background to fudge it.

Jo Guns as Mugen! Maybe in the future with animation skins, we'll be able to get some Fuga/Fuko breakdancing sword spins.

Bonus! Recreating a piece from Samurai Champloo with Patron, Jo Guns and my own dumb SAM, Mags. Maybe it's parasocial to be throwing in my own WoL but I claim artistic liberty! Or maybe we just need one more person on the mic to step up. I'm looking at you, Reggie! I wanna see what you can cook with the character creator!

120026

Reposted by Maelstrom Tear

Drew Scanlon @drewscanlon.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Hi Internet! I'm Drew and THIS IS MY FACE. If this GIF has ever brought you joy in the past, I humbly ask you to consider making a donation to the National MS Society. It would mean a lot to me and to those I know affected by the disease! Donate at blinkingguy.com

156200268537

Reposted by Maelstrom Tear

RSpanner @rspanner.bsky.social · 18/05/2025

Thanks for the reminder, Gazlowe (Audio is from a clip by Northernlion)

134142554720

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

On this episode of Get into FFXIV with @wooliewoolz.bsky.social and @patstaresat.bsky.social , we defend the honor of best boy Haurchefant! As well as a comment someone made that Pat highlighted. As for the last one... I should probably apologize for, more like. #patstaresart #woolievsart

Within only a few seconds of seeing Haurchefant, Jo Guns mocks him. "Hoche-fart.", she says, looking quite smug. Abusing their power of self-insert, the artist's WoL Mags Riese comes to his defense. "Hey! You be nice to best boy!" Meanwhile, Patron gets pelted by snowballs.

I think someone said this in chat, and Pat said it out loud as well. So I had to make it. I'm sure you'll all be responsible about putting different things in the fields.

No more Jo Guns, Alpha and Omega. Now it's Jo Guns, the Samurai Slasher! And again, I'm sorry. This was made in a fugue state and by the time I regained control it was pretty much already done.

322028

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Felt inspired after that Jo Guns Vergil to give @patstaresat.bsky.social 's Patron the same treatment, so here's a (Legendary?) Dark Knight! And then I went a bit farther... But with the upcoming animation skins, this could be a reality! #patstaresart #woolievsart #ffxiv

Patron in that DMC5 outfit. No Sparda or Devil Sword Dante, but that fancy new Occult Crescent sword!

Patron opens up with a salvo of Unmend from his trusty Ebony and Iv- Wait, that says Elmo & Boose. Huh. Either way, Jo Guns casually deflects with some Third Eye shenanigans. Not High level enough for that Tengetsu...

Jo Guns responds with a sudden Midare Setsugekka! But Patron parries that with a hit of The Blackest Night, while flipping Jo the bird.

09211

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

On this episode of Get into FFXIV with @wooliewoolz.bsky.social and @patstaresat.bsky.social , Jo Guns studies the blade! It's only a matter of time before she wields the Yamato, if you ask me... #woolievsart #patstaresart

Jo Guns in that LVL 50 Nameless set. It's honestly a solid fit for her color scheme.

People in chat were saying Baiken or Jetstream Sam, but come on. It's gotta be Vergil. "You knew this was inevitable." Even Jo Guns knows!

022636

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Vacation time for me and some characters!

010

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

I'm pretty sure @wooliewoolz.bsky.social and @patstaresat.bsky.social aren't doing any FFXIV stuff this week. But even if they were I'm busy on vacation! Maybe Jo Guns could get the summer treatment too, but it's not really my place to say...* #patstaresart #woolievsart

Hey look! It's that swimsuit you get for being a paid subscriber to FFXIV! Despite being quite immaculate in black, Jo Guns is adamantly against it.

191

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

On this episode of Get into FFXIV, Jo Guns got gear-checked... Though that Manor/Monk fit was pretty good! Thank you for the streams and kind words @patstaresat.bsky.social & @wooliewoolz.bsky.social ! #patstaresart #woolievsart

A Jo Guns lies on the ground after taking too many hits from some ashkin. Yes, that's actually their name! Patron on the other hand is so high-leveled it barely registers. Thankfully there was a whole bunch of healers on standby to get Jo Guns back on her feet. Disclaimer: I used my dumb character Mags Riese out of convenience, I was too busy with work to join...

Jo Guns with that Manor and Monk mix. I think if you can dye the Manor stuff, it'd be a good look for her!

212219

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Just realized I don't have a pin. So you know what, here's my animals, Guster and Mona. This is what gets me up every day. Usually literally! And a tribute to my muse, Maximus. They have had some adventures in their own right, but probably only the alt text would be able to cover that.

Guster is my boy. I know that plenty of people call their cats their kids, but we share the same hair color. He is my son. Gus was found by a family friend who couldn't take them in because he has dogs. And being the requisite family that takes in strays, we took him in. While he does meow plenty (usually for food), his real is his purr. I have never had a cat with such a loud motor. Different speeds and trills and even a little harmony depending on how relaxed he is.

Right at the start of 2020, Gus got sick. Enough that we had to take him to the emergency vet in the middle of the night. He had crystal buildup in his system that caused blockage. A procedure would be costly. But his purr told me I had to go with it. So after getting, quite literally, torn a new one, he made it out and was fine. For a while.

Around 2024, his right eye started to get darker. The vet said it was glaucoma, and not only would he lose sight but the pressure in his eye would be causing him pain. So one enucleation later, and he becomes a pirate. All fine, right? Well. Come December 2025 I notice he's being real cautious with jumps. Another trip to the vet. Same thing, total blindness. Now he's a double-pirate. He's still pretty mobile. As you can see, he can navigate the cat tower and chill in the sunlight. And even plays with toy mice! And of course, the motor runs loud as ever. I love my boy.

This is Mona. She was found completely by accident in a series of silly events. Did you know that in addition to purring, Gus loves hunting? We had a night where a baby garter snake somehow made its way through the cracks in the basement into MY ROOM. Gus found it first, still having some vision but obviously a sharp nose. Even though it was a baby, I didn't want him to get hurt. So I grabbed it with a paper towel and went outside to toss it. And in our backyard, there was a slightly bigger black mass. Not a snake, but a fleabag of a kitten. Missing fur, scratching constantly and lots of obvious bug bites. A meow like an old lady who smokes two packs a day. And despite looking quite feral and definitely not housed, she came up and rubbed against my legs like it was nothing. Now mind you, this was only a few months after Maximus passed (which if you're reading these in sequence, sorry for spoilers) so I wasn't even sure if I was ready for another cat besides Gus. But sure enough... I coaxed her into a cage we had for the dogs (I love the dogs but they are my parent's so no time for Zeus and Luna's stories) and called the vet first thing next day. Even then I wasn't sure, I had them in the system as "Turd" because having a real name brings attachment. You can guess by now that didn't stick. Though looking back, she's still kind of a turd so maybe it was the right call. No chip, no history. Just a chance meeting. Eventually she grew her hair back very slowly. It was like the reverse of a printer losing toner. Now Mona pesters Gus and finds every angle to get into my lap when I sit down. Most of the time I oblige.

Maximus Bosch is such a grandiose name, but look at the guy! He was a king! All the way back in 2006, this runt was found in the park by a family friend where I worked at the pool. And being the house that takes in the strays... I was just starting high school when he came into my life. Sure he was your standard issue cat, but he carried himself like a prince. That is, until he meowed. Never got that puberty hit.

Max was my shadow. Wherever I'd go, he was there. If I took a shower, he would be at the door. He was weirdly fond of the soap smell. Wasn't much of a lap cat, though. He did like to sit on me when I was in bed, usually if the food bowls weren't filled to his liking. Which kind of defeated the purpose of getting me to get up. And if you tried to sit next to him, he would get up... Just to walk around and then come back in the same spot. Like it had to be "his" decision to honor you with his presence.

Max lived to the ripe old age of 14. I'm pretty sure he's still here somewhere. I definitely feel him sitting on me sometimes.

One more picture to show Mo and Gus' usual dynamic. She also now wears a bell to give him a little chance.

060

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Alright, I'm tapping out. I managed to do the FATE's while also doodlin'! Thanks @patstaresat.bsky.social , Hina and Ecto for the party for Occult Crescent stuff! Still missing a few demiatma... #patstaresart #ectoart #hinart

Ecto shows off their new Viera style that look a lot like Patron... But with a lot less clothing.
Meanwhile, Hina's struggling for demiatma. Me too! At least she got hers in the end. I'm still working on it.
Speaking of, I thought we were still going until suddenly Pat left and so did EVERYBODY else. I got stuck in a solo CE! Technically I survived, but I didn't get anything out of it. Alas.

0305

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Pretty sure I stacked up next to @solidus113.bsky.social during a Occult Crescent fight upon realizing everybody else was on the other side of the arena. You know you're screwed when you're not in the big blob. Still fun! Would've been more fun if I got ANY demiatma in 2 hours...

Mags Riese stands next to Solus while the rest of the group is very far away. "Well, crap." says Mags, who knows they're about to be in a world of hurt. Thankfully for her, she's a dumb tank in this instance and can take a bunch of stupid damage!

Solus was less fortunate.

010

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Had a spectacularly awful roll right at the end of a Monster of the Week session, so it only seemed right to make this. #motw #ttrpg

041

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

On this episode of Get into FFXIV, @wooliewoolz.bsky.social busts a move. @patstaresat.bsky.social is also there! One pose of the Jojo dance was hard enough... Leave it to someone better to do the rest. #woolievsart #patstaresart And a bonus panel showing the... Dichotomy of each channel's chat.

Patron, Jo Guns and a useless SAM do a jig for the sylphs. They don't seem impressed. Look, I only used my character because it needed three people to look good and Mags is fun to draw. I wasn't even there in the deer crowd!

Bonus panel. What gas leak is going on in Pat's chat? Nice trogdor shirt, though.

214715

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Looking forward to the next Reggarth saga with @wooliewoolz.bsky.social , pitfalls and all. (production note: this was supposed to be just the first picture and a dumb gif, but I'm not allowed to mix media so might as well go all the way!) #woolievsart

17411

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Occult Crescent with a huge group was a lot of fun! Thanks to @patstaresat.bsky.social , Hina and Ecto for a good time. #patstaresart #hinart #ectoart

Mags Riese waves to the camera alongside Hina and Ecto's characters. Patron is in the back jumping around like he did 90% of the time outside of FATEs!

I was there! For the first instance, at least. And I only died a few times!

0444

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

On this episode of "Get out of Fighting Games" with @wooliewoolz.bsky.social and @patstaresat.bsky.social , Jo Guns risks it all at the Gold Saucer! Was that really only the first ten minutes? Yes! Is this just an excuse to draw bunny girls? Also yes! #patstaresart #woolievsart

A jubilant Jo Guns proclaims "I'm rich! Hahaha!" as MGP rains from the heavens. She's surrounded by the Gold Saucer's finest attendants bringing drinks and other fancy things. Except for one Viera who's mostly just confused about the ears situation.

Reality is not so kind. Jo Guns feels the pain of her failed mini cacpot draws. Patron has no time, though. "Dude, get up. We gotta kill Ifrit." There's also a dumb SAM next to him. Ignore her.

Bonus panel! Jo Guns goes undercover as a street urchin. She's appalled by the lack of style.

030262

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Doodlin' while @patstaresat.bsky.social plays FFXIV with the girls. I'd stay longer, but I got to make an early vet appointment! #patstaresart #ectoplart #hinart #castellart

Stop drooling on your sleeve, art gremlin!
Pat is asked to contemplate a centaur after talking about their... Six legs?
Every time they're between duties, Patron is jumping and zippin' around. I'm getting motion sickness!
Little renditions of everybody. They're all cute! Even Patron!
Patron attempts to talk about a spoiler in chat only to forget the speech bubbles show up.
Man, I love spamming the one single Dragoon!
DPS bullying is acceptable according to Patron.

0667

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

On this episode of FFXIV with @wooliewoolz.bsky.social and @patstaresat.bsky.social , Jo Guns goes to the lab- I mean, the Hall of the Novice. And she's gonna learn. #patstaresart

Jo Guns approaches the Hall of the Novice, while Patron tomescrolls in wait. The Seasoned Adventurer says, "Hey, sprout! You ready to learn?" to which Jo Guns replies "Yeah! Let's lab!" with enthusiasm.

As requested, Jo Guns is sent to the lab. A gray room full of measured walls. Only a little confused by it.

But suddenly, she feels a wave of pressure. In this room that definitely still has all the lines and a certain artist wasn't just lazy. Sorry, Jo Guns. You're about to learn some tech.

229666

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Today is my birthday! 34 isn't really a "one foot in the grave" kind of day... Maybe a toe. just little dip.

Donned in my finest Bridget jacket and Masked Intruder shirt, I stroll carelessly near an open grave. It reads: "Mael 1992 - NOT MUCH LONGER". I have no idea who put this up. You think I own land, in this economy?

020

Reposted by Maelstrom Tear

Sera @geranium.pink · 19/06/2026

Kiss your fugis goodnight (art by @maelstromtear.bsky.social)

0257

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

On this episode of Get Out of Fighting Games (AKA FFXIV), @wooliewoolz.bsky.social faces his toughest challenge yet... Limsa's Customs. @patstaresat.bsky.social is also there!

Jo Guns finds herself trapped at the Airship gate, while Patron can only look on.

339963

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Watching @wooliewoolz.bsky.social and @patstaresat.bsky.social stream FFXIV was fun, but that crowd was something else. ( @tinyskald.bsky.social , I borrowed your palettes! Awesome job on Jo Guns!)

A wave of characters flock to Jo Guns, Woolie's new character. "Is it always like this?" She asks, to Patty Testguy, her mentor. "Yeah, but you get used to it." He assures.

"I see." Jo Guns accepts the answer, hovering carefully over the Log Out prompt.

747174

Reposted by Maelstrom Tear

CrevettaVT @5-ish.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Alpha Drive Demon Girlfriend (commission for MaelstromTear) 🖤

347274

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 03/05/2026

There was a quick moment during @patstaresat.bsky.social 's FFXIV keynote streams where Caboose looked like the angel on his shoulder, so had to made a quick sketch. And a little more.

221826

Reposted by Maelstrom Tear

CrevettaVT @5-ish.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Commission for MaelstromTear 🖤

118720

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

youtu.be/tZ6h19Tw3hA I made an animatic for our ongoing Monster of the Week game resembling an anime OP. Thanks to @mariogalaxyman25.itch.io for running the thing & the rest of the Drought crew for being inspirational. Enjoy some Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra! #art #motw #animatic #oc #skapara

youtu.be

Monster of The Week: Welcome to Drought "Opening" Animatic

YouTube video by Mitchell Toolen

051

Reposted by Maelstrom Tear

MinnMax @minnmax.com · 31/01/2026

An unbelievable thing happened last night. 3,083 people from the @minnmax.com and @giantbomb.bsky.social community stepped up to protect the people in Minneapolis from ICE. You can still donate to VEAP here - bit.ly/iceoutminneapolis Here's the archive - youtube.com/live/SMcO71c...

23760186

Reposted by Maelstrom Tear

MinnMax @minnmax.com · 23/01/2026

Now it's YOUR turn to donate to help protect Minnesota from ICE! Reposts are great, but you can donate more than $1 to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota - bit.ly/minnmaxgives Thank you!

019383

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

Very much a rush work, but witness the true form of @patstaresat.bsky.social .

519950

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

Happy #Halloween ! Featuring Monika and Faye going as Giovanna and REI from Guilty Gear.

Monika and Faye dress up as Guilty Gear characters for Halloween. Monika is dressed as Giovanna, while Faye takes on the role of her trusty partner REI. With a hearty "Gao" (the only 'word' she says), she is eager to have her pail filled with candy.

010

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

Spooky time means I get to bring out one of my favorite pieces of art of all time, from the wonderful @5-ish.bsky.social ! #halloween

Monika Riese dons a ghost outfit for the scary season. She sits atop a large pumpkin in the moonlight.

0535

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

The OC | The Playlist I do love making playlists, but I've never thought about what Max would jam to! Probably upbeat, irreverent stuff that's easy to sing along. Though he's not exactly on-key a lot of the time... (the fancy version is by @5-ish.bsky.social !) #oc #playlist #art

180

Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 15/11/2024

Oh right, posting. Hello, I'm Mael! Most of my drawings are concepts to give to much more talented people for comms. When I'm not editing podcasts I build model kits, write goofy stories, or pester my cats. PS. Unless you're in the AV industry, the podcasts aren't that interesting. I promise.

Art for a character named Kira (sans swatches). For a height reference, he's stacked with another character, David. And behind them is his foster kid (and technically the protagonist) Max.

Ayun (also known as the wonderful 5_ish's DG) and Max show their approaches to fighting games. Ayun has the ability to 'weave' shadows into items. Usually weapons! In this case, a humble table. And Max did have a ball on his fightstick but has since lost it.

My only 'serious' kitbash, a suit I call the Gundam Rogue. A play on the Rouge Strike which it originally took parts from. If it had a gimmick, it would be stealing other models weapons.

Gus (top) and Mona (bottom). Guster has a permanent wink, but the loudest purr I've ever heard. Mo used to be a literal fleabag with barely any hair, but has grown into a true grimalkin. Or maybe more of a gremlin.

010