Metroid Au - Blog Posts

Dim tar Ili Metroid

This is just a short fic I made to flex my voice acting and narrating muscles again. I am transgender, and have been voice training for a good couple of months now. I have bigger plans, but I’d like to do something small before jumping into the really good stuff that I wanna really get right.

To those who do not know, this story utilizes the actual Chozo language! Sparingly, at least. The title, Dim tar Ili Metroid, translates to DNA of the Metroid. Tanumar, is the Chozo word for leader, one which I have taken to using as an official designation of rank. Hasana, as well, is the Chozo word for tribe, which I have used as the actual term of their societal groupings. Has means yes, and ulu means no. Raven Beak’s voice is a doozy to get right, largely due to the large amount of voice modulation. I have dumbed it down to be more in line with some of the effort/chuckling sounds in his boss fight, both for ease of editing and ease of understanding. Lastly, as for the voices themselves, I tried going for an accent based on how Raven Beak and Quiet Robe speak within Metroid Dread, with the rolled R sound, for example.

Hope you all enjoy! Sol ata (thank you)!

Ok, I need your guys’ opinions on something.

So, Metroid Zero Mission’s manga has several Chozo characters. We all know Grey Voice and Old Bird, but a character that gets very little spotlight is Platinum Chest.

He is quite the old looking Chozo and suffers particularly from the Manga’s art style giving them sagging features that start to no longer resemble a bird. I am basing each of the Chozo’s appearances off of specific birds, a parrot for Grey Voice, a finch for Old Bird, a raven for uh… uh…

Now I’ll put it up to you guys. Which bird should Platinum Chest be based off of?

Batta, the Culture of the Zebesian Space Pirates

The Metroid Prime series has introduced the internal workings of the Space Pirates and expanded on it in subsequent entries. However, it is largely agreed upon by groups with the Metroid community (myself included) that the Space Pirates are a faction made up of many species. After all, the biology of the different enemy types in the Prime series alone is wildly different from game to game, aside from a bipedal, hunched posture. It can be assumed, therefore, that any discrepancies from game to game when describing the inner workings of the Space Pirates to simply be the culture of those individual species. For instance, the Urtraghians have far more brutal forms of punishment than the forces seen on Tallon IV. Now that then begs the question.

What about the culture of the Zebesians?

This exploration will, admittedly, be full of conjecture and fanons that I enjoy, but I hope you will enjoy either way.

The name Zebesian seems a bit strange to those who know the inner workings of Metroid lore, specifically about the Chozo, who were the residents of planet Zebes before the Space Pirates stormed the planet. The two big schools of thought as to the name from a Watsonian perspective are either that the Zebesians were driven off of Zebes in years past during the Chozo’s warlike past or that the name comes from their settlement upon Zebes that essentially became the way most of the Galaxy thought about the planet.

While I prefer the latter explanation, the former explanation does have some basis to it. Some of Dread’s many murals depict Mawkin soldiers coming into conflict with the Zebesian Space Pirates and defeating them. It is certainly possible that this is how the Chozo first settled the world. There was once a time when the Thoha Chozo were on good terms with the Mawkin.

Still, from both a Watsonian and Doylist perspective, I prefer that the Zebesian name comes from their takeover of Zebes, likely the latest conquest of many. From throughout the series, the Chozo are not seen to have been particularly active in galactic politics during the age of the Galactic Federation, mostly being relegated to advising more public figures. They are rarely mentioned after their demise, outside of their ruins. Therefor, with the Chozo mostly being dead and buried, their world conquered by the feared Space Pirates, the limelight would then be cast onto that world as the source of the Metroid threat, thus leading people to call them the rulers of that world. It’s not exactly how I will be situating things in my own rewrite of the manga, but it does fit better from a purely canonical perspective. Furthermore, from a Doylist perspective, there is evidence to posit this same position. (Special thanks to @sepublic for pointing this out) The internal data for the Zebesian sprite refers to them as Batta, the Japanese word for grasshopper/locust. While this can be attributed to their hopping behavior, it also fits to see them surrounding a planet, consuming its resources, and leaving barren rock behind, with Zebes being their latest, and most successful, operation. The manga displays them descending onto worlds, massacring populations, and enslaving the survivors. The origin of Samus Aran’s adoption into the Chozo comes from them massacring the population of a colony in order to steal its main export wholesale.

The individuals we see in the manga are spiteful, remorseless, and cruel, happy to kill a child for fun. They also show fear and cowardice in the face of armed resistance from Federation officials, and Mother Brain describes them as inclined to capitulate to the highest power present. This cruel, despotic leadership style appears to be an inherent trait to Zebesian culture. Furthermore, the Space Pirates are displayed as having genetically altered themselves to withstand Zebes’s environment very soon after securing the world, suggesting an avid fascination with genetic manipulation, a trait that gets taken to the N’th degree in the Prime series, along with a fascination of mechanical augmentation. From Meta and Proteus Ridley, to the grafted metal implants of the Tallon IV pirates, to the exoskeleton apparatus used by the Urtraghians, the Space Pirates as a whole seem to love cybernetically augmenting themselves and their underlings.

One of my favorite fan interpretations of the Zebesians comes from @dappercritter and the fanfiction piece “No Other”. Quite frankly, I have to include the paragraph wherein the description of the Zebesian race lies.

“The chimeric splice-junkies who had the nerve to call themselves ‘Zebesians’ she wasn’t surprised by. Those ‘settler colonists’-a term which they use to feign altruism and keep the GDF from assaulting their new base, had always been a thorn in Samus’s side since they tried to take her and the Chozo’s old home by force. Of course, they’d come back for more at some point, even if they deserved every other beatdown.”

The Zebesians are described as “chimeric splice-junkies”, a term which I absolutely love for its descriptiveness and color. These guys love to juice themselves up on whatever science team has cooked up. They love genetic modifications, cybernetic implants, and anything to make themselves stronger and give them an edge in combat. The main villain of this story, Ganzer, is the apotheosis of a Zebesian. He has replaced his lobster claws with metal claws, he has wings on his back, chainsaw blades grafted to his arms, a shoulder mounted cannon, a visor in place of his eyes, extra armor over his exoskeleton, and even a reptilian tail. Additionally, there is an explanation here for the name of these Zebesians. These galactic jerks are not just genocidal maniacs, they are something far worse: lawyers. They have lawyered their way into exploiting the Federation’s rules of engagement. After all, orbital bombardment on a colony is illegal. So, as any good lawyer would do, they have designated their most valuable planet as their residential colony world. Doesn’t matter that they breed Metroids, produce weapons, and store their fleets there, cuz that’s where the children grow up, at least on paper.

Furhermore, given their distinctly crustacean design, I can imagine that their “splice-junky” lifestyle comes into play during a specific recurring period of their life; molting. When a crustacean molts, the new shell is soft and malleable for a time, in which time they are extremely vulnerable. Defensive claws and stingers are effectively useless, leaving them defenseless until their body hardens. This time could be perfect for Zebesians to how in the infusion tank to get ‘roided up on whatever DNA infusions they choose/have chosen for them, or to have cybernetic implants grafted into them, where the shell will then solidify and seal the implant on. You can just imagine some excited Zebesian chittering about how they ordered the new model of targeting armature, lamenting that they have to wait until the next molt to get it installed. It honestly opens up some room for a bit of downtime in their culture which I think could be explored further some time.

Hope you all enjoyed this one! I may make a similar post for some of the other Space Pirate varieties. I do have some unique fanons for the Urtraghians that could be cool to share. Let me know if you have any suggestions or fanons of your own!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween has been my favorite holiday for as long as I can remember. Granted, that may be in part due to my birthday also falling on October, but nevertheless, I still love it. It’s a holiday of pure fun and celebrating the macabre. Alas, I haven’t been feeling it this year. Between politics (blech), quitting my current job, searching for a way forward in life, and a lack of new spooky content, I’ve just not felt drawn into the Halloween spirit. I’m also waist deep into the process of writing for my Metroid rewrite, and have very little to show at the moment. Still, Halloween is calling my name and I must not deny it, plus I really wanna get some more of my ideas out there. So here’s a quick post to at least get the ball rolling on some ideas for a rewritten Metroid Fusion, the game the cemented Metroid in the minds of many as suspenseful and horror adjacent.

1. Waking up

As opposed to the drawn out process of “go to SR-388, get infected, fly off, go comatose and crash into an asteroid field, get taken in and healed by the BSL station, leave the BSL, head BACK to BSL”, I’m simplifying it down. Instead of being called back to the BSL station due to an explosion on board, Samus wakes up on the operating table in the middle of the X-Parasite outbreak, similar in part to Doom 2016’s opening. However, she’s not thrust into action immediately from the onset, having some time to wake up and get a feel for the new/post surgery suit.

2. X-Parasites Science

I want to dive a little deeper into the details of the X-Parasites. Firstly, their scientific nomenclature is Anomalomimus Volans, roughly translating to “Strange Mimic which Flies”. Furthermore, I want to play more into the fact that it is an intelligent hivemind. Perhaps not Gravemind levels of intellect, but still enough to strategize and make complex decisions. However, their mimicry has a catch. They can only repeat phrases they’ve already stated. They can form new sentences, but it is difficult, and strains the limited mental capacity of each individual X.

3. X-Parasite life cycle

There is a variety of different levels of mimicry the X take on in the Metroid games. We have heard of them blending in with their prey, utilize the unaltered bodies of their prey, and even mutate into hideous new forms in order to gain an edge in combat. I have been able to come up with a few stages for a hypothetical Anomalomimus life cycle. First is the amoeboid stage, where we see their multi colored, amorphous forms floating through the air, searching for a creature to consume. This stage is temporary and, without food in time, they will disintegrate and die. Second is the mimic stage, where the X will attempt to blend in and retain its form, assessing the safety and viability of spreading in a given situation. The assessment is not exactly clinical, but it does take into account obvious factors like weaponry and escape routes… and, ya know, Metroids. If their cover is blown, they will react violently, killing all witnesses, and find a safe location to move onto their third stage. This stage can also be used in combat to aid in overwhelming and consuming a resisting population such as the Chozo. Lastly in their standard life cycle is the budding form, where their visage breaks down into amorphous slop as they begin to reproduce more X parasite offspring. I don’t have full details on this, or how the Core X fit into this, but this is where I’m at currently.

4. Scan Logs

Prime time, baby. We doing scan logs. In addition to the typical written logs and notices, I am going to be employing the Doom 2016 style holograms to relay events from the past. While I understand why they are not present in any of the Prime games, I do think they are a tool that make for some interesting storytelling opportunities, (especially in a show or movie, but that’s a discussion for another time). I will try to keep extensive scans sparse as it can be easy to oversaturate the inclusion of logs in a written story when the format already allows a window into how Samus deciphers situations around her.

5. Stakes

I will freely admit to not knowing a great deal about Metroid Fusion’s plot beyond the general outline of things. Some people may then find my reworking to be a bit dishonest in some ways to the source material. With that said, the stakes will be laid out from near the start, and the clock will start ticking. The X parasites have overrun the BSL Station, with near free rein over all of its systems. There are still some guard rails, but it’s only a matter of time until they find a way to send the station toward a well populated planet and spread. Samus, in addition to finding the truth of what was happening on board this station of doom, must ensure the X Parasites can never travel to another star system. If they do, all life in the galaxy is at risk.

6. The SA-X

The SA-X has been an extremely iconic villain due to its stalking behavior and sheer advantage in power over our recovering hero, in addition to being a demented, dark reflection of her. That being said, I think the mutated design for the SA-X feels a bit… uninspired? I simply feel that it just doesn’t add much to the design in its current form. However, the idea of the SA-X mutating is one I’ll keep. Instead of… whatever we have in canon, these mutations will come in the form of the SA-X attempting to keep cohesion with Samus’s spliced DNA and growing more Chozo traits, but deformed and uneven. Half a beak here, a featherless wing there, some mismatched eyes. It will exceptionally uncanny for Samus, given her relationship to both humanity and the Chozo.

7. Neo Ridley

There will be no Neo-Ridley… kind of. I feel like the years have really dulled the effect of having another clone of Ridley, so I will not be including one. Instead, BSL station will house the only other member of Ridley’s species known to the Galactic Federation, an individual named Neo, who provides insight into Ridley’s origins. His copy, Neo-X, will also feature some inspirations from Dread, including a ranged attack of black muck instead of fire, and mutating his wings into additional arms, alongside twisting its head 180°, allowing it to crawl along the walls and high speeds.

Hopefully, this turned out to be an interesting view into how I plan to bring my own spin on Metroid through a different storytelling format. My first project for this rewritten Metroid series is going to be a modified version of the Metroid Zero Mission manga. Stay tuned for updates on that! (If I ever get around to them>.<)

Nerdy the Artist’s Metroid Fanfic Spotlight part 2!

This is something I’ve been needing to do for a hot minute now. As I said last time, there are so many talented writers, artists, and musicians in the Metroid fanbase. The level of creativity and passion for the series is just astounding. Today we will be taking a look at some of the many fanfictions out there. I’ve read these stories myself and can personally attest that they are well worth your time to read. From the cute and fluffy to the grotesque and violent, these stories have earned their place on my recommendations. Without further adue, let’s start this thing.

1. Mostly Just a Power Suit

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/17637701

This story, written by Planet_Bryyo, is short and sweet, diving into a fan favorite but rarely explored character of Weavel from Metroid Prime Hunters. In spite of his fan favorite status among the hunters, up there even with Sylux, you’ll be hard pressed to find many fics featuring him. This story shows off his reaction to being transformed into a Non-Zebesian form during his cybernetic reconstruction. The story also spends a great deal of time focusing on the reactions of other Space Pirates seeing this fallen commander, now a lone wolf who is more machine than… man? Alien terminology, ugh. In any case you can see their reactions to this loose cannon in a bar setting. Side tangent, the idea of a Space Pirate bar is actually really unique. We don’t see much of Space Pirates at rest anywhere, so this is actually a welcome touch.

2. Fallen from the Nest

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/53675155/chapters/135874063

Going all in on Bounty Hunters this spotlight, I suppose. This story, written by PuriKuma, is much longer than Mostly Just a Power Suit, though still digestible. This is part of a larger series that I do recommend, but I’ll stick to talking about this entry for now. Keeping with the Hunters appreciation, this story depicts a shared mission between Samus and Noxus, the Vhozon Bounty Hunter from the same game as Weavel and Sylux. The mission brief is simple; a criminal organization called the Ashlings, lead by the physically imposing Andron, have taken hostages, including a Federation Senator, to barter in exchange for a precious and expensive ore. Samus is to go after the Ashling secret base while Noxus intercepts the hostages so that the criminals are not rewarded for their efforts. However, what gives Samus pause is the identity of one of their members. From there, the story takes plenty of intriguing twists and turns. The ways in which Samus and Noxus play off each other in this story are extremely entertaining and interesting to watch. It also adds a fair bit to the latter’s character which I have yet to see anywhere else, a sarcastic playfulness in his attitude that bounces well off of Samus’s stoicism. He’s able to taunt and poke fun at the emotional core behind the front that Samus puts on. Their interactions alone would be worth a read, but the plots twists and mysteries involved really take this story to the next level. This story, and the series it’s a part of, are an instant classic for me.

3. A Win

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/48254998/chapters/121695439

Sometimes, we all just need a reminder that we’re doing good, that we aren’t a burden, that we are worthy, that our actions have helped people. This story, written by orphan_account, is that for Samus Aran. Taking place after the events of Metroid Dread, Samus is in a bit of a slump after feeling like she’s only seen as a threat or a tool for higher powers. To attempt some soul searching, she journeys to one of the few game settings that is left better than when she arrived; Aether. She wanders through a reinvigorated and rehabilitated world, free from the influence of Dark Aether and Space Pirates, seeing how the world has healed in her time away. Granted, I am not too familiar with Metroid Prime 2, so much of the reader’s catharsis is likely lost on me. Still, even as someone who has little prior knowledge of the past of Aether, this story still is a nice, sentimental journey, with an appearance from some old friends.

4. Hatchling

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/29039376/chapters/71275923

Now, back to where it all began. This story, written by MetroidReploid, is a retelling of an old tale we all know, the story of Samus Aran losing everything. This retelling focuses more on Samus’s life as a child, going into detail about the life she lives, so that when the Space Pirates take it all away, we understand what exactly she’s losing. There’s also some further fleshing out of Adam here as well. He shows up as a young, bright Federation Officer with a preexisting connection to Virginia Aran, Samus’s mother, a connection which has strained her relationship with Rodney Aran. Unlike the simple housewife we see in the manga, Virginia is portrayed as a working mom, leading a security firm tasked with guarding K2-L. Rodney, by contrast, is a bitter, angry man who takes his public image, and that of his company, very seriously. It’s a story full of a lot of angst, but it does its job fairly well in terms of adding some reason to why things happen and when.

5. “Sammy”

Link:

Now, if you need a break from all the angst and dreariness, SeleneLawfulGood has you covered! This story is a short and sweet fluff story, featuring a young woman named Thae’Lia finding a tired but very attractive woman at a bar named Sammy. I think we all know the twist so I won’t beat around the bush. It’s really cute (and with some mild lemon toward the end but you didn’t hear that from me) and displays a rarely seen aspect of the series; how do the citizens of the Galactic Federation view Samus Aran? We rarely, if ever, see non-combatant intelligent life in any Metroid game, so we don’t really get much of that. It also gives a view into what the life of a Bounty Hunter is like. It’s a very lonely, tiring existence that, while it pays well when you save the Galaxy, like, 5 times, needs an extra aspect to be fulfilling. For Samus, it’s the moral obligation she feels. It’s a very cute read, and if you need something sweet, this’ll do the job. Also, trans Samus solidarity.

6. Let Me Tell You How Much I’ve Come To Hate You

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/45854323

Getting back to Space Pirates, doorstopQuiet has delved into an aspect of the series that even Metroid Prime itself largely glosses over; Ridley’s reconstruction into Meta Ridley. In truth, it was largely not his idea. As the highest ranking survivor of Samus’s rampage on Zebes, Ridley got lobbed with the blame for the cataclysm. The only reason he had survived was a great shame for the Cunning God of Death. He played dead. He let himself sink into Norfair’s magma, slowly burning away his flesh, but at least he had some chance to survive. He was crippled, mangled, burnt to a crisp, but at least she would not kill him. Still, High Command’s punishment, their loathing of the failed god, was almost worse. He would not command armies, he would not have the same autonomy he once did. He would become a machine for their empire, reconstructed as a tool. It’s a great short story, filled with colorful language and allusions to his past to hammer home the gravity of how far he’s sunk. There are also plenty of references and quotations from Man on The Internet’s Ridley theme vocal cover, which I do find entertaining. I find this to be an excellent read, and really reimagines Meta Ridley in Metroid Prime as a fallen god, stripped of his authority, and sent after the one who felled him.

7. Independent Contractors

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/40993332?view_adult=true

This story, written by ifThen_doWhile, shows off Samus in a post Fusion Federation, one that has grown far more wary of her. They still have need of her, however, and so an agent of the Federation is sent to hire a Samus who has not been returning digital requests for her services. The agent, named Aiden, is sent in with top of the line weaponry in case things go south, alongside surveillance of the Hunter’s activities. Upon finding her, Aiden is in for a big surprise. This story really hammers home how heart poundingly nerve racking it is to approach the Hunter who has destroyed 3 planets, especially when tensions are running hot. Samus is portrayed as pragmatic but quiet, her demeanor easily misinterpreted as callous indifference, a guise she leans into at times. It’s a very good, suspenseful story that I highly recommend.

8. Metroid: No Other

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/59261113

This story, written by @dappercritter , is actually my most recent read. What’s this? An actual Tumblr link? For once, yes. I saw the announcement post on Tumblr that it was out and jumped at the opportunity to read it. It’s quite good, but quite long. Don’t let the 1 chapter limit fool you, you might not finish it in 1 sitting. In any case, No Other starts off with something of a trope among fanfictions; Other M as an in-universe film. I still find it amusing. However, as this story follows on after Dread, Adam comments on Samus not taking care of herself properly, not addressing any of the trauma from ZDR, avoiding social events, and generally withdrawing from the world around her, prompted by an increasing distrust of the Federation, and the Galaxy as a whole. We also see that Samus does not seem to trust Adam, both due to his origin as an AI made to spy on her, and increased by Raven Beak’s mimicry of him. It’s an angle I haven’t seen anywhere else and is a welcome change of pace. In any case, Samus further withdraws from Adam and into what she does best; Bounty Hunting. However, shortly after her arrival to planet Ohma-984, a new threat emerges, intent on bringing out her dark side. Without going into spoilers, the antagonist’s design is absolutely badass, and I might actually draw him some time. The action sequences in this story, likewise, are absolutely brutal and well thought out. There’s a lot of noticeable influences from other franchises like Godzilla, Metal Gear Rising, and Doom that feel well at home in this story and don’t take away from it at all though that may be me simply being a fan of those series. DapperCritter mentioned specifically Shin Kamen Rider, though I’m not a fan of that series, so I can’t attest to how prominent the influence is. Regardless, it’s a thought provoking story with plenty of brutal action packed in as well, plus I love the original character designs, which take from canon while tagging on further additions.

Honorable Mention: Kanden Story Pitch

Link: https://www.tumblr.com/sepublic/759167079922417664/kanden-debut-pitch

I’m putting this as an honorable mention as it is meant as an outline for a story, so it may not scratch the same itch for some people as a fully written out story. This outline, by @sepublic is meant for a hypothetical Metroid animated series, similar to the original Clone Wars series (not THE Clone Wars!) by Genndy Tartakovsky. This one off features another under appreciated Bounty Hunter, Kanden, facing off against Samus over a Metroid which could give him true power unrivaled. It’s an excellent read, though, once again, if you’re looking for something more completed/traditional, I can understand if this doesn’t suck you in as well. However, I am currently working on a storyboard of this story. I won’t be animating it in full, but there will be sound effects, music, and voice acting. So uh… stay tuned for that!

As I said at that start, these stories are great, and really show off the passion these writers have for the series. However, there are plenty more out there. In the comments, share some of your favorite Metroid Fanfictions you’ve read. I can always do with expanding my Metroid reading list and I’m sure some of you feel the same way.

I’m so glad Seregoss got brought up here. Reminder that he made a cover of Sylux’s theme right away when the Prime 4 trailer came out. Metroid’s fan soundtracks are absolutely amazing. I’ve gotten so many writing ideas from his music.

I’m planning on narrating my Metroid fan stories, similar to @tsproart has done with his own original story, Journey’s Ahead. Because of the vast array of incredible existing tracks, both in game and from fans, I want to edit in some title cards featuring the song name, artist and source. I’ll do this in the video itself, as opposed to the description, as I’m not animating this or anything. All of those amazing people deserve to see their name in some of the scenes I’m proud of, so they can be proud in turn.

Alright, I need to throw some more shit on here because once again, Metroid has an iron god damn grip on my brain.

If there is something I truly wish nintendo would accept for once in their lives, its bringing in some fan talent to work on metroid - much like how sega has brought on fan talent for sonic.

Because jesus fucking christ, there are some music artists out there that make some genuinely good covers and original tracks.

Take for example, Seregoss - This absolute mad lad makes some high energy remixes of metroid alongside his own tracks for some original projects, and they slap SHIT!

Like this S.E.R.R.I.S remix he's made. holy FUCK IT FUCKS HARD.

Or one of my absolute favorites, SynaMax

He does more than just make original tracks, he has straight up gone into the rabbit hole of finding the source of EVERY SINGLE SYNTH INSTRUMENT EVER USED IN THE PRIME TRILOGY.

NOT ONLY THAT, he has made MANY tracks with this library, and even released the information on the sources to the wide web as well as most of the samples that can be used! Now the downside of course is that he hasn't published ALL of these found samples yet, and I really hope he does, cause god dammit

Metroid Prime has such a unique soundscape that no other franchise has ever managed to captured, even with later metroid games as well, and I NEED MORE PEOPLE TO MAKE MUSIC WITH THIS SHIT.

He nails the vibe, so much so that I wish Retro picked him up to make music for Prime 4 cause god damn, it fits REALLY well.

For those aspiring musical artists out there, sincerely take a gander at the sample library of the Prime Trilogy, this shit needs to spread further out on the internet cause it is CRIMINAL that a lot of these samples had nearly become lost media in their own right.

That also leads me into the second portion of this blog, god fucking dammit I just love the Trilogy's music. I could go on, and on, and ON about my favorite tracks in the entire series - from the Chozo Ruins and Overworld of Prime 1, to fucking EVERYTHING in Prime 2 (Yes, Prime 2 is my favorite despite the keyhunting bullshit, and the music is peak to me), and Prime 3's mix of orchestral instruments alongside those classic synths we've come to know and love.

The highest peak of the trilogy if you ask me is Sanctuary Fortress.

No matter what, I always remember the first time reaching that area and hearing that techno-like, harsh yet almost spiritual vibe of the Fortress, and GOD - seeing that skybox on the outline, it always made me wish you could go down there to explore the Luminoth city that was abandoned so long ago, yet remains lit and functional to this day.

Prime 2 if you ask me has the better soundtrack in the trilogy just due to the sheer amount of original tracks, but also torvus bog and the flooded temple area too, its just too god damn good.

God, I really hope Prime 4 keeps to the tradition of god tier music, and reincorporates some of the instrumentals that the trilogy is known for.

I know this never happened in the games or any outside material, but what if frozen Metroids just… fell? Imagine shooting one with the ice beam and it just hits the floor with a nice *clunk*. Obey the laws of gravity, weirdo.

Given how much we roll with Samus having a ton of self-loathing due to the deaths of so many loved ones by the time of Fusion... Let's do even more with that.

The SA-X is terrifying, and part of that comes from it being a soulless, unspeaking, automaton; Samus without any of the soul. But we also know the X can copy memories, and granted it's possible the X never got to access Samus' brain, and wouldn't have those as the SA-X.

But what if they still somehow did? We know there's more than one SA-X; About ten, Adam calculates. So maybe one of them is cold and unfeeling... But what if another is Samus' own self-loathing personified, externalized?

The X are clever; What if this SA-X voices all of Samus' doubts towards her. Tortures her psychologically to throw Samus off her game, because the X know that self-doubt can cause more intelligent creatures to underperform. What if we have an SA-X that asks aloud all the questions that Samus hates about herself; If she's such a hero, why are so many of her friends and family dead? Why does she destroy everything she touches?

This plays into Samus' self-destructive action in blowing up the BSL with herself aboard, because she's convinced herself she can't do anything right, so it doesn't matter if this doesn't actually eradicate the X on SR388. And then Adam, this computerized copy who is supposed to be cold logic, actually speaks through to Samus by acting more objective and reminding her; There are other ways to do this, and you don't need to die. And then he begins to rediscover himself.

And it's like a parallel because computer Adam is also a clone copying the memories and personality of an original, albeit a manmade, digital mimic. And Adam and the SA-X start off as cold and unfeeling, but then rediscover emotions; In the SA-X's case, they're cruel and ultimately meant more as a parroted echo of Samus' self-hatred, for an ulterior, practical motive of defeating the enemy at any cost. For Adam, it's him learning to live and love again, and save a friend from the fate he technically already went through, and can't truly come back from.

But yeah, imagine the SA-X constantly guilt-tripping Samus... Bringing up her parents, and then Gray Voice. Not to mention Rundas, Ghor, and Gandrayda. The Metroids, especially the Infant. Zebes. Adam Malkovich. Belittling, dismissing, undermining Samus' achievements, insisting those she did help and save, like the Luminoth or Old Bird, will follow suit eventually. She became Ridley when she eradicated the Ing, who just wanted to survive, and left only one baby Metroid alive.

It gaslights Samus, which adds to the paranoia of not knowing what to believe, what's real, with the X mimicking things and the Federation lying to Samus; Plus her projecting Adam onto what she believed was just a computer. She's really going through it, and for a while it's actually working in throwing Samus off of her game, and she already lost all her upgrades!

It's basically Samus fighting her inner demons; Not just this caricature of her as something that is only a weapon and destroyer, but her own feelings of inadequacy, the guilt, the loneliness, the tendency to push others away for fear of hurting them too. And the suicidal ideation. And eventually she conquers both of these takes on her that actually go hand in hand, and comes out stronger with her identity rediscovered and reclaimed, hence the removal of the helmet to reveal Samus within, and her Fusion suit resembling the classic Varia color scheme now.

How I would implement each type of Space Pirate

Given the variety of Space Pirate types (species?) at their disposal, I figured I would make an effort to maximize their usage and find specific niches for each of them. Of course, each variety of Space Pirate will be predominantly featured in the games they appeared (IE Zebesians will be the main enemy encountered in my rewrite of Zero Mission) but I’d like to sprinkle some other variants throughout each story. To that end, here’s the different roles I would have each Space Pirate variant fill.

Firstly, I don’t think I’m gonna use the Metroid Prime 2 Echoes Space Pirates. Their design just… doesn’t fit in with the others. That will likely disappoint many of you, but that’s just what I’m doing. Feel free to tell me how you would implement them in the comments or in a reblog.

Zebesians-Security/Sentries

These guys are known for their ability to crawl along walls and leap great distances. They also lack any obvious prehensile appendages, making the operation of extraneous equipment difficult. In the games they appear in, they are usually seen patrolling corridors and shafts for Samus. To that end, I feel like treating them as guards for the many Space Pirate facilities therein would be a good use of them.

Metroid Prime Space Pirates-Technology operators/pilots

These guys are synonymous with Metroid Prime’s story of insatiable technological aspiration. To that end, these guys could be tasking with piloting fighter crafts, setting up weapons emplacements, testing out prototypes (such as the beam troopers), or simply conducting dangerous research. There isn’t really any noticeable affinity for any specific line of work for these Space Pirates, so they can be a sort of Jack of all trades type that can be slotted into any role needed by High Command.

Urtraghians-Hunter Killers/Trackers/Raiders

As I have stated before, the Urtraghians’ eel like visage evokes that of a predator, a bogeyman for the Galaxy. To that end, these guys could make for good trackers, using their enhanced sensory capabilities to track their quarry with precision. They could also be used to intimidate underlings and captives into submission, given their sharp teeth and reputation for consuming disloyal members of their own species. I could almost imagine them like the Zorgons from Zathura, insatiable, predatory spacers terrorizing the innocent.

Federation Force Pirates-Heavy Infantry

Canonically, these guys are massive, and I would imagine they have the durability to match. I think the obvious choice for them is to be a heavy enemy type akin to the Hunters in Halo or closer to the Barons of Hell in Doom. They are deadly behemoths that you don’t wanna get close to, especially with that energy blade able to cleave you in two with ease. Hell, you could say that these things have a habit slurping up the insides of their victims with their proboscis. Creepy stuff.

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond Space Pirates-Elite Soldiers/Shock Troops

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond hasn’t released yet, so this designation is tentative. We may, and likely will, get some further details to flesh out this new variety of Space Pirates in full, with habits, specialties, and story telling beats making this new variety more unique. Until then, my temporary role for them is to be shock troops and warriors for the Space Pirate empire. Their ornamental and intimidating armor, combined with their tall stance and seeming pride, makes them an ideal candidate for the soldiers of the Space Pirates, capable of getting any mission done… except when it involves killing The Hunter. But when she’s not there, they’ve got it handled!



Space Pirate Design Ranking

The Metroid series has a boatload of different designs, completely changing between every game except the 2D iterations. Some think it’s simple design inconsistency, others think that they’re different genetic manipulations of the same species, while others (including myself) are of the opinion that the Space Pirates are a collective made up of various species. Today, I’ll be ranking these designs based on what they convey and, simply, what I think is cool and aesthetically pleasing. For the sake of simplicity, I’ll only be ranking the standard Space Pirate variant of each game, the “core enemy type” if you will. And yes, Metroid Prime 4 Beyond is here, though its place in the ranking is subject to change as we get more closer looks.

7. Metroid Prime 2 Echoes

Some people may consider this a sin to put so low on the list but, to me, this really just doesn’t fit the whole vibe of the Space Pirates, especially in the Prime series. In the Metroid Prime saga, the Space Pirates are an authoritarian empire who recklessly abuse technological advancement for the sake of domination. This just… doesn’t say that. It’s a good design, don’t get me wrong, but this really looks like some weird skeleton knight. I could see this crawling out of some crypt to seek vengeance, not descending from a space ship to plunder. For that reason, I gotta put this guy in last place.

6th place: Metroid Prime Federation Force

For many of the problems Metroid Prime 2’s design has, I think Federation Force remedies… and then makes the opposite mistakes. Federation Force’s Space Pirate design is, canonically, around the same height as Metroid Prime’s Omega Pirate. Why make mechs for your game if you’re just gonna scale the enemies up anyway is anyone’s guess. With that in mind, I kinda like this as a heavy unit for the Space Pirates, but the center of this design just is a bit hard to look at. I love the limbs and the inclusion of the iconic Prime Pirate energy blade. There’s a mix of fleshy joints and tough, metal plating that I enjoy, I actually like the bright red eyes as well, especially for a heavy unit. But the carapace around it just feels… it’s kinda hard to look at. That mouth, as well, is just a bit too buggy and lacks expressiveness. Really, that’s my edict on this thing. Good extremities, but lacks expression and is generally tough to look at. Still, I imagine someone could retool/retexture this thing to be a real banger of a design.

5th place: Metroid Other M

From here on, these designs are ones I truly like as Space Pirates. Metroid Other M’s Space Pirate design was a tough one to find a good image of. This was about the best one I could find in a cursory search. As far as official designs go, I think this is the best translation of the iconic Zebesian Space Pirate to 3D we’ve ever gotten. There was a small effort made in Prime 2 to bring the claws back, but here there are on full display and they look great. The whole design is, honestly, fantastic. You can see the smooth bands around the limbs and torso, downward pointed jaw, and the big, smooth, blank eyes of the old sprite. The spines on the back and head really add some personal flare to these guys as well, and the whole design has a delightfully cheesy color scheme that I simply adore. I think the series has designs that evoke certain feelings and themes better, but this is certainly a fun looking guy.

4th place: Metroid Prime 3 Corruption

Unlike every other type but the Zebesians, the Space Pirates of Corruption have a distinct name based on the Homeworld we explore, Urtraghians. There is a distinctly pseudo organic bend to these guys, with the textures on the armor plating feeling almost Xenomorphic. However, where I think this design stands out is, of course, the head. The long, pointed teeth clearly visible under the rows of eyes really makes this eel-like head intimidating. You can really imagine the Urtraghians descending from their ships in a city, gunning down innocents and plundering whatever they choose. These animalistic terrors will smell where you’re hiding and drag you out kicking and screaming. It really fits the Space Pirates’ role in the story. From day one, they really have just been a bogeyman for the Federation. We rarely actually see them doing… ya know… pirating. The rampant technological obsession was a concept introduced by the Prime trilogy. As a design for the Bogeyman of the Galaxy, I think the Urtraghians work great.

3. Metroid Prime 4 Beyond

Haha, 3 is for 4 and 4 is for 3. This will be subject to change and many people might not rank them until we get clearer images, but uh… I’m doin it. Beyond’s pirates have a very buggy design, but in a way that’s parallel, not identical, to the Zebesian designs from the 2d games. Their mouth is split into mandibles, they have a hard carapace, and their movements can be jittery and unsettling. The large size of them compared to the Federation personnel seen in the trailer really evokes power and control. Their armor has outward pointed edges and defined pectorals. These are conquerors, proud, undefeatable warriors. The sparseness of it also evokes a sense of confidence, as if they don’t need a full covering when their hardened shell is so superior to weak flesh. It’s almost ornamental in a way. (Though someone should remind them they lost in every previous fight against Samus). Their mandibular maws, hunched backs, double thumbed hands, and digitigrade stance (standing on their toes with their heels off the ground) also evokes a certain other core enemy type in a sci fi shooter.

I’m going to leave it here for now as I have some other stuff to get to at the moment and I Forgor the image limit on Tumblr posts. I’ll get the ranking for the final (first?) two designs by the end of today. Then, I might make a post about what roles I’d fit these different species into for my own storytelling purposes.

Me realizing my promise to release my Metroid fanfic “Before Metroid Prime 4 releases” now has an actual deadline.

Nerdy the Artist’s Metroid fanfic Spotlight!

I have read a fair few excellently written Metroid fanfics in my short time in this fandom, a lot of which gave me many ideas, as well as possible biases, that I have taken into my own fanfic. Still, with the obscene amount of nsfw fics related to Samus (no shame), finding those engrossing stories with plenty of character development, intrigue, and action is a bit of an annoying task. People have different standards of tagging things, and less tags does not necessarily mean less quality. Use to this, for your convenience, I’m going to be sharing a list of some of my favorite Metroid fanfiction stories, in no particular order.

1. Whispers from Beyond the Veil

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/56266696/chapters/142947040

Whispers from Beyond the Veil, by AlexRussoStuff, is still in its early stages, and brand new at the time of writing it. Currently, there’s only 1 chapter, but it’s a really promising one. If this fic maintains the tone and quality in this chapter, I’m all for it. It is mainly a retelling of Metroid Prime, interspersed with flashbacks from Samus’s childhood. The tone is far more brutal and gruesome than the original game, with more in the way of gore as Samus steps over the ripped apart remains of Space Pirates aboard the Orpheon. I am excited to watch this fic develop.

2. The Downfall of Ashkar Behek

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/42231552/chapters/106034202

I was pointed in the direction of this fic by @molagboop due to some amazing artwork by the Chozo specialist himself. The Downfall of Ashkar Behek, by Acayl, is quite long, following much of the past of Raven Beak, known in Chozo as the titular Ashkar Behek. The story is long, detailing his past as a soldier of the Mawkin, including his maiming by Ridley, known to the Chozo as Balan dosh Nabular, translated to English: Bring to Dread. The story covers many bases in the tragedy of his downfall, and you never feel he is truly evil until he is utterly consumed by madness, and his belief in the innate responsibility of the Chozo to shepard the Galaxy. He goes from a relatively basic villain in Dread to a well fleshed out antagonist whose world view we can understand, and perhaps sympathize with. While it is very lengthy, it is a wonderful read if you have the time and patience for it.

3. Metroid S

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/4156530/chapters/9378699

This fic is also incomplete (Metroid works slow, I guess), but the story is oozing with mystery and intrigue. Metroid S, written by Suribot, sees Samus Aran arrive on an icy world following a contract for a scientist’s rescue, and a separate, cryptic message telling of a Metroid’s presence in the derelict laboratories within. The plot is hard to sus out, and the mysteries hiding within are captivating. There is also a fair bit of monologues from Samus Aran about her past (did I mention this is in first person?) where we get to here about many past exploits and relationships. I still am itching to get questions answered with the next chapter. I think you’ll find yourself in the same boat.

4. Inheritance

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/11560101/chapters/25965126

Remember when I said less tags doesn’t mean less quality? This is what I mean. Inheritance, by Cuofeng, was written before Dread came out, but there are many coincidental story elements that are interesting to compare and contrast between the two. The story itself is absolutely amazing, especially in the first act, but does have some problems in the third. The sense of mistrust and paranoia that the first act gives off is unrivaled, even by S. The story follows a mission set after Fusion where Samus is tasked with helping in the fight against a reinvigorated Space Pirate faction, with eyes on some advanced Chozo technology. This might be my favorite Metroid story, due to its amazing atmosphere, great personality, and shear rule of cool excellence.

I do have one major issue though: Where Morph Ball?

5. This Time

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/34383862/chapters/85563343

For those of you looking for something more lowkey and feels-y, This Time, by CuratorOfFluff, is a wonderful short fic centered around Samus’s relationship with Old Bird, who is now living on Earth by himself with Samus’s pet rabbit-squirrel, Pyonchi. The care the two have for each other is just adorable, and you can tell the author had a lot of fun with this little slice of life.

6: A Swift and Howling Darkness

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/42723552

A Swift and Howling Darkness, by Noxshade, is a very different kind of story to most, feeling right at home with Metroid Prime’s method of storytelling. This fic is in an epistolary format, meaning it is told by logs and reports, rather than outright narration. The story centers around Samus Aran, fresh off of her horrifying adventure aboard BSL, encountering a distress beacon sent from deep into the undocumented regions of space, codified as being pre-Federation in make. Driven by her innate curiosity. She decides to investigate this unusual call for help into the dark, unknown regions of the galaxy.

7: We Will Evolve

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/54081529/chapters/136920130

We Will Evolve, by Thundamoo, comes hot off the heaps of Metroid Dread, using the loose plot thread of the missing Chozo ships during the escape sequence to tell a story of the X outbreak spreading beyond ZDR’s untamed wilds, and into sentient space. The horrifying idea is compounded on by the realization that what we saw of Samus’s Metroid mutations in Dread were the tip of the iceberg. Furthermore, we get to witness the arrival and spread of the X, known by the Chozo and itself as Eres, from the perspective of a civilian, caught up in the galaxy’s nightmares. The secondary protagonist is a joy to follow along, and Samus’s rage is palpable. Once again, this fic is not yet complete, but it is well worth a read thus far.

Honorable Mention: Confronting Adam (animatic)

Link: https://youtu.be/_hrU1tPZ7R8?si=bkvehOrjTVJsfOfr

This is a wonderful project by a YouTuber known as Galactic Gaming, making an animatic out of the fateful interaction between Samus and Adam where Samus brings out the goodness within the AI recreation of her former CO. The voice acting here is great, and the artwork is nice.

Well, these are some of my favs. I might make a new post with some other good ones, but I think these should be at the top of your reading list. If you have any suggestions for me, let me know in reposts or in the comments. Happy reading!

And part 5 to cap things off! I had a lot of fun with these. It’s always great to flesh out things I haven’t given too much thought to before, as well as sharing the things I’ve mulled over for a while. Truly, this has been an awarding effort. I am posting these a night early as I have a fairly busy day tomorrow, so I’m not sure if I’ll have the energy to remember about posting this then. Without further ado, the final set of entries.

Day 29: Neo

Scan of Contained Bioform

“Subject is of the same unknown species as Ridley. However, other than the marked similarities in morphology, there are significant differences between it and the late pirate commander. Fat levels exceed all of Ridley’s previous appearances, and his skin’s color is a more colorful shade of indigo. His eyes also have vertical slit pupils, unlike Ridley’s own eyes. The lack of scars and grafted weapons is also in stark contrast to Ridley’s stories history. All things considered, this is not Ridley.”

Day 30: Victor

Scan of Defeated Mother Brain

“Life signature of Mother Brain indicates several areas of tissue damage. Blood clots and hemorrhaging has already begun to occur. Death is 100% certain. Fluctuations in brain activity are causing random activations in equipment due to interfacing equipment interpreting various power spikes as neuronal action potentials. Such aberrant activity will surely cause catastrophic failures in multiple systems. Immediate departure is advised.”

Day 31: Mission Complete

Mission Debrief Report: Zebes

“Mission completed. Metroid cloning facility on Zebes has been eliminated. However, 2 Space Pirate Research Frigates by the titles of Siriacus and Orpheon has escaped. Several Metroids were captive aboard the Orpheon during its departure for distribution to Pirate cells across Federation controlled space. Recommend efforts be made to track it down before cloning operations can be restarted.

Total confirmed enemy losses: 285 footsoldiers, 1 adult Kridilian, 4 Space Pirate Interceptors, 2 Revenant elite units, 1 Space Pirate Research Frigate, ‘Mother Brain’ ACI central unit, Commander Ridley.

Cleanup teams requested to eliminate remaining Space Pirate presence on and around Zebes.

Personal Notes: Zebes isn’t their’s. Zebes belonged to the last of the Chozo. Please treat it with dignity.”

Maytroid 2024 is here!

I am so excited to get to work on these new prompts. Last year, my entries for each day were fairly sloppy, and I was new to the series, so I was lacking a fair bit of information. Now, I’m armed with more knowledge and am eager to use it.

For those who haven’t seen what I did for Maytroid last year, what I’m going to be doing instead of art is something more writing focused. These little text entries are mostly styled after the scans from the Metroid Prime series. Matter of fact, this new set of prompts actually lends itself much better than last year’s, as I have a lot more leeway to play to my own strengths than last year (I still don’t know what the fuck I’m gonna do with Gorea). These are all canon to my own Metroid AU currently, though as things change in development, these may become out of date. They will give the vibe my stories are going for, but these shouldn’t be held to as the absolute canon for them. I’ll be posting these week by week, around 7 at a time, starting today.

Day 1: Ridley

Transcript of Security Footage

Several individuals in this footage cannot be identified at this time. They shall be identified as Pirate 1, Pirate 2, and Pirate Major.

Ridley: What I want to know… is why he is not in custody.

Pirate Major: I gave them their orders, they knew he was to be brought in alive, and instead they killed him.

Pirate 1: You told us to take care of him! We thought you meant an execution, not milk and cookies!

Pirate Major: Insolent Wretch! You say such things about your orders in front of our Commander?! You know how we handle that sort of insubordination!

Pirate 2: Cool it, we’re already in hot water.

Pirate 1: We’re in hot water because of the life of some winy little nobody that begged for his life with money he didn’t even have.

Ridley: While your insolence is… aggravating… I am willing to forgive this misstep.

Pirate Major: What?

Ridley: He was an insignificant pawn. We can always find another. As I was saying, I am willing to forgive this on one condition. Did he die in pain?

Pirate 2: Yes. He did suffer before he died.

Ridley: What methods or torture did you employ?

Pirate 1: Waterboarding. Works wonders on humans. I always liked how they sound when they cough and gasp for air.

Ridley:Mmmmm… was blood shed before his end?

Pirate 2: Yeah. My partner here has… quite the way with knives.

Ridley: Do tell.

Pirate 1: Slashed his wrists. Those arteries gush lots of blood from humans. And we started pulling teeth when he lied.

Ridley: Delicious. You have escaped capital punishment, but you will still be serving as guards for the Metroid containment units. For further forgiveness, you will need to be more creative with your implements. I find Revine’s death, by your account, to be quite dull. Your are dismissed, unless you wish to enlighten me further.

Day 2: Fiery

Scan of Pipe System in Norfair

“These pipes appear be delivering superheated magma into the Norfair region. Given the proximity to Ridley’s personal quarters, likely explanations include terraforming the area for Ridley’s own comfortability, additional protective measures, or the intentional destruction of Chozo artifacts not deemed useful. The latter is most likely, as the immediate area was once a Chozo burial tomb. It is now completely submerged in magma, disintegrating much of the artifacts within.”

Day 3: Winged

Scan of SA-X Mutations

“This X-Parasite copy has suffered some form of destabilization of its copying abilities. Abnormalities include a malformed, beak like structure around the mouth, several atrophied fingers, several hypertrophied fingers, small patches of feathers, and an extraneous structure protruding from its back resembling a Chozo wing bereft of feathers. These unusual deformities could be the result of DNA infusions during childhood complicating the process of anatomical replication within X-Parasite offspring. This individual seems to suffer great stress from its predicament, but it is unsafe to assume that its combat functionality is greatly hampered. Adaptation is this species’s main trait.”

Day 4: Pirate

Scan of Space Pirate Elite

“Subject is a member of an unknown species known only from individuals working within Ridley’s special operations group, The Revenants. This group acts as Ridley’s personal enforcers and assassins, fanatically worshipping their commander as a literal God of Death. They wield melee weapons personalized to their unique fighting styles. Each weapon is charged with electricity, giving them an additional ranged attack capability. They have operated since before the Galactic Federation, making a name for themselves in fighting Chozo warriors. Their endurance, agility, and strength cannot be overstated, in spite of their gaunt appearance.”

Day 5: Mecha

Scan of automaton codenamed Mecha Ridley

“Subject is a battle ready drone, seemingly created by Ridley’s fanatical special forces, the Revenants. Mecha Ridley is heavily weaponized, as there could be no altar to the God of Death without the ability to take a life. Weapons include flamethrowers, guided munition launchers, and superheated claws. Mecha Ridley’s armor is highly durable, but greatly hampers mobility compared to its inspiration. Additionally, as a cult idol of worship, advanced artificial intelligence was not prioritized during production. Mecha Ridley displays average combat intellect for a war drone. Recommend staying moving and outsmarting the automaton.”

Day 6: Fang

Scan of Rundas’s Necklace

“Rundas appears to have begun collecting Metroid Fangs as trophies since last he was approached. Assuming one fang was taken from each Metroid he has eliminated, he has defeated 15 Metroids in the two months since he was last seen. Unfortunately, his ego has grown with his kill count.”

Day 7: Cunning

Scan of Abandoned Home

“Old Bird and Grey Voice’s abandoned home has been left mostly in tact, minus the usual signs of neglect. However, there appear to be a plethora of traps lain around the home. Various grapple snares have been detected, alongside explosive charges, beam emitters, and microphones. Much of these systems appear to be inert, and once reported directly to Mother Brain. It is clear she anticipated you might return here before confronting her. Given her destruction, several trap systems remain completely dormant. Still, any approach must be made with great caution.”

Part 4, the penultimate week and the last full week of these. Not really much else to say at this point, so I don’t have excuses to dilly dally, right? Let’s dive straight in!

Day 22: Stalk

Scan of Space Pirate Logs

“Project Shadow has yielded significant results. The MSC-MK3 cloaking device has proven to be a highly effective cloaking unit, able to conceal a soldier from a vast range of visible light spectrums. While certain frequencies of light can still detect a cloaked soldier, they are not within a spectrum that most sapient species can see without ocular enhancements. There are two main downsides to the tech, however. Projectiles being fired while cloaked can completely disrupt the cloaking field, as it will attempt to envelope the projectile, causing a system overload which requires a lengthy factory reset in order to continue functioning. For this reason, troopers equipped with the MSC-MK3 should be instructed to only use melee weapons. More significantly, the energy expenditure for cloaking is immense, requiring near constant upkeep in order to function. For this reason, the MSC-MK3 should only be used by internal security for installations with proper energy dispensaries. Science Teams aboard the Research Frigate Siriacus claim that models with superior energy efficiency shall be made available soon, but with the caveat of being too expensive for mass production.”

Day 23: Savage

Scan of Crashed Civilian Ship

“While various burn marks across the hull indicate small arms fire scorching the exterior, the attack that brought down the vessel was an explosion near the engines, causing them to short out before the ship could approach the atmospheric limit. Several deep gouges are visible on the roof of the hull, with a large chunk being cut out. The molten metal around the cuts indicate a heated blade piercing the plating. Given the blood staining the inside of the vessel, the fate of the occupants bears no thinking about.”

Day 24: Taunt

Scan of Gandrayda’s Power Suit Mimicry

“Although Gandrayda’s shapeshifting capabilities can mimic the form of an individual, it has a great deal of trouble copying the functions of said form. While she may be able to mimic the outer coating of an animal to near perfection, the internals are rarely mimicked with any amount of finesses. However, certain functionalities can be replicated, albeit imperfectly. Energy blasts can be created, though strength and range are hampered greatly. Movement can be achieved, though only through patterns she is already accustomed to. Thus, while her mimicry of the Power Suit does have certain marked similarities in function, such as the Power Beam, Grapple Beam, and Double Jump Boots, other abilities remain beyond her ability to mimic. Unfortunately, this is enough to fool most beings without a thorough biometric scan. Do not get distracted by the recreational uses for her shapeshifting abilities.”

Day 25: Clone

Suit Maintenance Record Playback

“Eres attached to suit. Countermeasures active. Containment Measures active.

Isolation between Suit and Wearer… successful. Suit Immobilization… successful. Visor hue warning… successful. Self immolation… failed.

Multiple components of wearer compromised by Eres Consumption. Emergency tissue surgery commencing… successful.

-Fast forward seven hours

Removal of armor plating detected, further insulation of wearer required.

-Fast forward 27 hours

Warning, breach of suit through all layers detected. Eres consumption of wearer imminent and unavoidable. Attempting detonation of suit’s power core… failed.

Eres assault fought back by unknown pathogen. No information available on pathogen.

What we cannot gain… we take.

Eres presence not detected. Severe damage of Power Suit present. Will remain in stasis until further notice.”

Day 26: Haze

Scan of Space Pirate Logs

“It has been a whole cycle since the planet identified as Aether was discovered. Our operations on the planet have been slower and far more cautious after the Amelioration Incident on Talon IV. It has become apparent that biological manipulation via Phazon will instead be putting them under control of a force outside of our current ability to control. However, the extremely potent energy signature of Phazon still makes it an extremely potent energy resource with boundless combat applications. However, the strange nature of this world has lead to many disappearances from scouting and security groups. Those who survive report the sky suddenly growing dark as a Phazon based mist rolls into the area. They have even reported seeing teammates fade out of existence before their eyes. When such events occur, encounters with hostile entities become increasingly common. Until we can discover the nature of this phenomenon, patrols outside of our bases of operations will be heavily restricted. We have already lost eight whole teams to such incidents.”

Day 27: Strike

Scan of Space Pirate Logs

“It appears as though the Galactic Federation has created a special fighting force specifically dedicated to replacing some of their reliance on independent contractors in recent decades. What little information our spies have been able to glean on these soldiers calls this advanced combat element ‘Operation Golem’. These soldiers are far more capable than typical ground troops, utilizing advanced combat exoskeletons with modular weapon hardpoints. These soldiers have already eliminated several of our facilities and outposts with great proficiency. Out of 16 engagements, we count only 1 casualty, occurring only when the team was outnumber 7 to 4 by Metroids. The obvious combat proficiency of this team represents a risk if such technology begins to proliferate in our enemies’ forces. Our spies have identified General Alex Miles as being in charge of Operation Golem. Efforts have begun in order to track him down for assassination.”

Day 28: Vendetta

Space Pirate Revenant logs

“With the command of the God of Death, we go forth, seeking the Hunter clad in metal. She trespasses His domain, challenging His rule over life and its end. Death cannot be stopped. It cannot be halted. To cease the end of living things is to tear the fabric of the universe. To challenge His will is to challenge the rules of nature. As sure as the stars will one day burn out, all things shall perish, save for the God of Death and His chosen. The Hunter challenges the very notion of Death itself. We cannot end her, for that is not our place. Our place is be bring her before Him, so that she maybe shown the futility of struggle against a God, a rule of nature, and a thread in the fabric of reality. He is Death. With each destruction, his thread in the fabric of reality becomes frayed. He can repair this fray, but we must ensure she does not flaunt this desecration to the natural order. We must find the Hunter, for The God of Death commands it.”

Maytroid 2024 is here!

I am so excited to get to work on these new prompts. Last year, my entries for each day were fairly sloppy, and I was new to the series, so I was lacking a fair bit of information. Now, I’m armed with more knowledge and am eager to use it.

For those who haven’t seen what I did for Maytroid last year, what I’m going to be doing instead of art is something more writing focused. These little text entries are mostly styled after the scans from the Metroid Prime series. Matter of fact, this new set of prompts actually lends itself much better than last year’s, as I have a lot more leeway to play to my own strengths than last year (I still don’t know what the fuck I’m gonna do with Gorea). These are all canon to my own Metroid AU currently, though as things change in development, these may become out of date. They will give the vibe my stories are going for, but these shouldn’t be held to as the absolute canon for them. I’ll be posting these week by week, around 7 at a time, starting today.

Day 1: Ridley

Transcript of Security Footage

Several individuals in this footage cannot be identified at this time. They shall be identified as Pirate 1, Pirate 2, and Pirate Major.

Ridley: What I want to know… is why he is not in custody.

Pirate Major: I gave them their orders, they knew he was to be brought in alive, and instead they killed him.

Pirate 1: You told us to take care of him! We thought you meant an execution, not milk and cookies!

Pirate Major: Insolent Wretch! You say such things about your orders in front of our Commander?! You know how we handle that sort of insubordination!

Pirate 2: Cool it, we’re already in hot water.

Pirate 1: We’re in hot water because of the life of some winy little nobody that begged for his life with money he didn’t even have.

Ridley: While your insolence is… aggravating… I am willing to forgive this misstep.

Pirate Major: What?

Ridley: He was an insignificant pawn. We can always find another. As I was saying, I am willing to forgive this on one condition. Did he die in pain?

Pirate 2: Yes. He did suffer before he died.

Ridley: What methods or torture did you employ?

Pirate 1: Waterboarding. Works wonders on humans. I always liked how they sound when they cough and gasp for air.

Ridley:Mmmmm… was blood shed before his end?

Pirate 2: Yeah. My partner here has… quite the way with knives.

Ridley: Do tell.

Pirate 1: Slashed his wrists. Those arteries gush lots of blood from humans. And we started pulling teeth when he lied.

Ridley: Delicious. You have escaped capital punishment, but you will still be serving as guards for the Metroid containment units. For further forgiveness, you will need to be more creative with your implements. I find Revine’s death, by your account, to be quite dull. Your are dismissed, unless you wish to enlighten me further.

Day 2: Fiery

Scan of Pipe System in Norfair

“These pipes appear be delivering superheated magma into the Norfair region. Given the proximity to Ridley’s personal quarters, likely explanations include terraforming the area for Ridley’s own comfortability, additional protective measures, or the intentional destruction of Chozo artifacts not deemed useful. The latter is most likely, as the immediate area was once a Chozo burial tomb. It is now completely submerged in magma, disintegrating much of the artifacts within.”

Day 3: Winged

Scan of SA-X Mutations

“This X-Parasite copy has suffered some form of destabilization of its copying abilities. Abnormalities include a malformed, beak like structure around the mouth, several atrophied fingers, several hypertrophied fingers, small patches of feathers, and an extraneous structure protruding from its back resembling a Chozo wing bereft of feathers. These unusual deformities could be the result of DNA infusions during childhood complicating the process of anatomical replication within X-Parasite offspring. This individual seems to suffer great stress from its predicament, but it is unsafe to assume that its combat functionality is greatly hampered. Adaptation is this species’s main trait.”

Day 4: Pirate

Scan of Space Pirate Elite

“Subject is a member of an unknown species known only from individuals working within Ridley’s special operations group, The Revenants. This group acts as Ridley’s personal enforcers and assassins, fanatically worshipping their commander as a literal God of Death. They wield melee weapons personalized to their unique fighting styles. Each weapon is charged with electricity, giving them an additional ranged attack capability. They have operated since before the Galactic Federation, making a name for themselves in fighting Chozo warriors. Their endurance, agility, and strength cannot be overstated, in spite of their gaunt appearance.”

Day 5: Mecha

Scan of automaton codenamed Mecha Ridley

“Subject is a battle ready drone, seemingly created by Ridley’s fanatical special forces, the Revenants. Mecha Ridley is heavily weaponized, as there could be no altar to the God of Death without the ability to take a life. Weapons include flamethrowers, guided munition launchers, and superheated claws. Mecha Ridley’s armor is highly durable, but greatly hampers mobility compared to its inspiration. Additionally, as a cult idol of worship, advanced artificial intelligence was not prioritized during production. Mecha Ridley displays average combat intellect for a war drone. Recommend staying moving and outsmarting the automaton.”

Day 6: Fang

Scan of Rundas’s Necklace

“Rundas appears to have begun collecting Metroid Fangs as trophies since last he was approached. Assuming one fang was taken from each Metroid he has eliminated, he has defeated 15 Metroids in the two months since he was last seen. Unfortunately, his ego has grown with his kill count.”

Day 7: Cunning

Scan of Abandoned Home

“Old Bird and Grey Voice’s abandoned home has been left mostly in tact, minus the usual signs of neglect. However, there appear to be a plethora of traps lain around the home. Various grapple snares have been detected, alongside explosive charges, beam emitters, and microphones. Much of these systems appear to be inert, and once reported directly to Mother Brain. It is clear she anticipated you might return here before confronting her. Given her destruction, several trap systems remain completely dormant. Still, any approach must be made with great caution.”

And now for part 3! I have finally learned how to collapse text (is that the right word?) so that this will be much less cluttered. I love seeing all the tags in reblogs mulling over the specifics here. It’s always great to see these ideas leaving an impact.

Day 15: Nemesis

System Stress Alert

“Warning: Cortisol at dangerously high levels. Continued use of Power Suit can result in endocrine-

Warning: Stress levels continuing to rise. Please cease use of this Power Suit to avoid systemic-

Warning: Power Suit Emergency shutdown initiated. Due to critically high stress levels, wielding of weapons grade force multipliers has been deemed unsafe for you and anyone in your vicinity. Reactivation can be initiated once stress levels have subsided to stable levels.”

Day 16: Hatchling

Recommendation on Adaptation Procedure on Human Child

“The life readings of the child, Samus Aran, have stabilized for the fourth time. However, according to various shamans, spiritual harmonics remains an issue. This is likely due to her traumatic past before arriving in our care. In spite of being sedated too heavily to dream, and being supplied air filtered for human consumption, she can still, somehow, feel the pain of her past. This is an issue that must be resolved once she leaves sedation. As it stands, this is an area of healing which I can only offer minimal assistance in.

Nevertheless, preparations are being initiated for gene tailoring and conjoining. A problem still remains. Much of the Chozo bloodline on Zebes has become too old and frail to provide samples not liable to produce genetic defects. The only individual on Zebes who is not in too great a state of atrophy is Grey Voice. However, without multiple donors, genetic aberrations are likely to occur unpredictably. Without a second donor, regular genetic tailoring procedures will be required in order to stabilize any potentially hazardous mutations or cancers. To solve this issue will require political discussions with another Hasana.”

Day 17: Proteus

Administrator Command Log of Aurora Unit 059

“System Plugin initiated.

Please input credentials

Response: System Admin Proteus

Administrator Identity Confirmed. All functions available.

Command: Initiate Self Destruct Sequence

Initiating Self Destruct. Alerts placed to all personnel onboard. Evacuation Procedure Underway.

Command: Expedite

Timer reduced to thirty seconds.

Command: Quarantine

All access to exits now blocked without valid confirmation.”

Day 18: Thief

Space Pirate Archeological Report

“We have successfully located and secured one of the three artifacts needed to unlock the seal around the meteorite. The so called ‘Artifact of Study’ appears to be a miniature display of a solar system. Studies have begun on the artifact by science team to discern what its functionality may be in the seal’s mechanism. With sufficient study, we may be able to unlock the seal without locating the other two artifacts. This will be very beneficial to our time table and personnel resources. It took expenditures of 17 teams in order to obtain our first artifact, due to both the physical traps and defenses surrounding the artifact as well as the presence of one or more spectral entities. Regardless of if opening the seal takes study of the first artifact, or capture of the other two, we are closer than ever before to gaining access to the crater.”

Day 19: Sinewy

Combat Scan of Meta Ridley

“Various armor plates have been damaged, revealing fleshy layer beneath. Ridley is still undergoing a healing process from the confrontation on Zebes. Various areas destroyed during the battle have begun to regenerate, such as the eyes, tongue, internal organs, wings, and arms. This regeneration is not fast enough to overcome direct arms fire. Recommend targeting these weak points.”

Day 20: Tail

Scan of Space Pirate Carcass

“Unlike many other corpses on the Orpheon, this does not appear to be the work of Space Pirate bioweapons. The lacerations have severe heat trauma within the wounds. The killing blow dealt to the torso has begun to melt the internal organs through excessive burning. Whatever was in the blade that pierced this individual’s chest was at least 475°F.”

Day 21: Deceptive

Last Words of a Lone Chozo

“To any who may read this message, Mother Brain has betrayed us. Even as the battle raged on Zebes’s surface, she refused to call for aid. Little did we know she was communicating to find some arrangement with the Space Pirate commander, the demon. I have retreated into Norfair, separated from my kin. I have no food or water. I do not expect to live for long. The demon and his minions come for me, aided by the betrayer. Safe havens have become kill houses. Security doors have become open halls. I have no protection, no weapons, no armor. But I will ensure that the world knows this. The Chozo did not sit idle as we were slaughtered. A great betrayal cut us down. The one we relied on turned our own world against us. I am Onyx Vow, and Mother Brain is not one of us.”

Maytroid 2024 is here!

I am so excited to get to work on these new prompts. Last year, my entries for each day were fairly sloppy, and I was new to the series, so I was lacking a fair bit of information. Now, I’m armed with more knowledge and am eager to use it.

For those who haven’t seen what I did for Maytroid last year, what I’m going to be doing instead of art is something more writing focused. These little text entries are mostly styled after the scans from the Metroid Prime series. Matter of fact, this new set of prompts actually lends itself much better than last year’s, as I have a lot more leeway to play to my own strengths than last year (I still don’t know what the fuck I’m gonna do with Gorea). These are all canon to my own Metroid AU currently, though as things change in development, these may become out of date. They will give the vibe my stories are going for, but these shouldn’t be held to as the absolute canon for them. I’ll be posting these week by week, around 7 at a time, starting today.

Day 1: Ridley

Transcript of Security Footage

Several individuals in this footage cannot be identified at this time. They shall be identified as Pirate 1, Pirate 2, and Pirate Major.

Ridley: What I want to know… is why he is not in custody.

Pirate Major: I gave them their orders, they knew he was to be brought in alive, and instead they killed him.

Pirate 1: You told us to take care of him! We thought you meant an execution, not milk and cookies!

Pirate Major: Insolent Wretch! You say such things about your orders in front of our Commander?! You know how we handle that sort of insubordination!

Pirate 2: Cool it, we’re already in hot water.

Pirate 1: We’re in hot water because of the life of some winy little nobody that begged for his life with money he didn’t even have.

Ridley: While your insolence is… aggravating… I am willing to forgive this misstep.

Pirate Major: What?

Ridley: He was an insignificant pawn. We can always find another. As I was saying, I am willing to forgive this on one condition. Did he die in pain?

Pirate 2: Yes. He did suffer before he died.

Ridley: What methods or torture did you employ?

Pirate 1: Waterboarding. Works wonders on humans. I always liked how they sound when they cough and gasp for air.

Ridley:Mmmmm… was blood shed before his end?

Pirate 2: Yeah. My partner here has… quite the way with knives.

Ridley: Do tell.

Pirate 1: Slashed his wrists. Those arteries gush lots of blood from humans. And we started pulling teeth when he lied.

Ridley: Delicious. You have escaped capital punishment, but you will still be serving as guards for the Metroid containment units. For further forgiveness, you will need to be more creative with your implements. I find Revine’s death, by your account, to be quite dull. Your are dismissed, unless you wish to enlighten me further.

Day 2: Fiery

Scan of Pipe System in Norfair

“These pipes appear be delivering superheated magma into the Norfair region. Given the proximity to Ridley’s personal quarters, likely explanations include terraforming the area for Ridley’s own comfortability, additional protective measures, or the intentional destruction of Chozo artifacts not deemed useful. The latter is most likely, as the immediate area was once a Chozo burial tomb. It is now completely submerged in magma, disintegrating much of the artifacts within.”

Day 3: Winged

Scan of SA-X Mutations

“This X-Parasite copy has suffered some form of destabilization of its copying abilities. Abnormalities include a malformed, beak like structure around the mouth, several atrophied fingers, several hypertrophied fingers, small patches of feathers, and an extraneous structure protruding from its back resembling a Chozo wing bereft of feathers. These unusual deformities could be the result of DNA infusions during childhood complicating the process of anatomical replication within X-Parasite offspring. This individual seems to suffer great stress from its predicament, but it is unsafe to assume that its combat functionality is greatly hampered. Adaptation is this species’s main trait.”

Day 4: Pirate

Scan of Space Pirate Elite

“Subject is a member of an unknown species known only from individuals working within Ridley’s special operations group, The Revenants. This group acts as Ridley’s personal enforcers and assassins, fanatically worshipping their commander as a literal God of Death. They wield melee weapons personalized to their unique fighting styles. Each weapon is charged with electricity, giving them an additional ranged attack capability. They have operated since before the Galactic Federation, making a name for themselves in fighting Chozo warriors. Their endurance, agility, and strength cannot be overstated, in spite of their gaunt appearance.”

Day 5: Mecha

Scan of automaton codenamed Mecha Ridley

“Subject is a battle ready drone, seemingly created by Ridley’s fanatical special forces, the Revenants. Mecha Ridley is heavily weaponized, as there could be no altar to the God of Death without the ability to take a life. Weapons include flamethrowers, guided munition launchers, and superheated claws. Mecha Ridley’s armor is highly durable, but greatly hampers mobility compared to its inspiration. Additionally, as a cult idol of worship, advanced artificial intelligence was not prioritized during production. Mecha Ridley displays average combat intellect for a war drone. Recommend staying moving and outsmarting the automaton.”

Day 6: Fang

Scan of Rundas’s Necklace

“Rundas appears to have begun collecting Metroid Fangs as trophies since last he was approached. Assuming one fang was taken from each Metroid he has eliminated, he has defeated 15 Metroids in the two months since he was last seen. Unfortunately, his ego has grown with his kill count.”

Day 7: Cunning

Scan of Abandoned Home

“Old Bird and Grey Voice’s abandoned home has been left mostly in tact, minus the usual signs of neglect. However, there appear to be a plethora of traps lain around the home. Various grapple snares have been detected, alongside explosive charges, beam emitters, and microphones. Much of these systems appear to be inert, and once reported directly to Mother Brain. It is clear she anticipated you might return here before confronting her. Given her destruction, several trap systems remain completely dormant. Still, any approach must be made with great caution.”

It occurs to me now that I can simply reblog this with each week’s update, so I think this will be a good way to go forward. If anyone has any better way to link this back to the other updates, lemme know. Anyways, week 2, here we go!

Day 8: Menace

Confession of Captured Revenant Pirate

“There is no hope for this world. You have been chosen. Kill me, release me, or keep me, it does not matter. The God of Death will descend upon this world, and bring with him our beautiful ends on his violet wings of destruction. His gift to us is the beauty of annihilation, and our swan song will be the cries of pain and the begging for mercy. Blood shall soak the land, decay shall fill the air, and fire shall paint the sky. He has died before, and come back once again. He is the beyond and the end. His promise is simple: Death to Everything. And we shall bask in its glory.”

Day 9: Meta

Scan of Space Pirate log

“Transfer of Commander Ridley has been successful. Smuggling operations, codifying his pseudo-corpse as Geoform-187, successfully transferred him to Frigate Orpheon for resuscitation and enhancements. While the metamorphosis was painful, it was completed to great success, and with equally great haste. One behavioral oddity following his awakening has been an uncharacteristic obsession with his murderer, the Bounty Hunter known as Samus Aran. His obsession with her has bordered on all consuming. While combat simulations targeting her are understandable, the latest advent of troops undergoing mandatory training on human torture techniques has shaken our confidence in his current leadership capabilities. Still, we expect this boiling rage to be reduced to a simmer over time. How long this change shall take remains to be seen.”

Day 10: Armor

Metroid Durability testing log

“This series of tests is to discern the limits of the outer casing around a Metroid. For the sake of testing accuracy and preventing longterm damage reflecting in subsequent experiments, each test has been conducted on a separate specimen. A maximum of five projectiles will be used in each test unless effects of projectiles are detectable.

Test 1: 9mm bullet

Result: No effect detectable. A mild shimmer across the gelatinous surface of the Metroid as each projectile bounced harmlessly off the outer shell. Metroid is healthy and appears to merely be confused by the impact.

Test 2: High Velocity Sniper Round

Result: No effect detectable. The outer layer appears to have rippled from the impacts, but no damage was suffered. Metroid is irritated by the impacts, though not in any serious pain that we can discern.

Test 3: Low Power Plasma Bolt

Result: Mild damage sustained. The area where the bolts made contact appeared to glow for a time from the transferred heat, but damage was reversed within 8 hours. Metroid appeared in pain from impacts. Tests on a further 2 subjects resulted in death from approximately 24 more shots.

Test 4: High Power Plasma Bolt

Result: Serious damage sustained. The area where the bolts made contact glowed, with numerous fissures visible in the membrane. Metroid appeared to be in pain from impacts and subsequent burning effects. Damage was reversed over the course of 26 hours. Tests on a further 2 subjects resulted in death from approximately 9 more shots.

Test 5: Troop grade missile system

Result: Serious damage sustained. Immediate damage and discoloration was less serious than energy based weapons, but compounding attacks lead to rapidly increasing damage. Damage was reversed over the course of 8 hours. Tests on a further 2 subjects resulted in death from 1 and 2 additional missiles respectively.

Test 6: Emplacement grade missile system

Result: Immediate destruction. Metroid was blown apart by detonation. While the efficacy of such an attack against a Metroid is real, the viability of such munitions against a small and agile target is low.

Day 11: Talon

The Edict of Ashkar Behek

“Between your own to hands, you created life in a form this galaxy has never seen. You nurtured it and allowed it to prosper, named it the Ultimate Warrior. However, when this novel form of life sought not to be controlled, you betrayed the values of your Hasana, and of the Chozo. You denounced your creation, sealed it away, and intended to destroy this world and all life upon it, to rid the world of what you birthed. Though your intentions were pure, this is a crime the Chozo will not tolerate. The sentence for you, Golden Claw, is death.”

Day 12: Fierce

Scan of Bioform Kraid

“Given the passage of several years, it was guaranteed that Kraid’s size would increase drastically since the initial invasion of Zebes. His species, the Kridilians, are used by Glaxamore forces as sentinels for important locations during sieges. They are transported in their juvenile stage of life, where they take up much less space. Once on site, they eat any bio forms they come across to accumulate mass as quickly as possible. As an adult, their legs become vestigial structures, reducing movement greatly. Kraid, himself, has been outfitted with various weapons on a rig grafted to his back, in addition to the various biological defenses native to his species. Perhaps most notably, Kridilians gain sentience once they reach adulthood. Kraid is likely to have an exemplary tactical intellect.”

Day 13: Omega

Scan of Pirate Security Log

“Subject 42, codified as Omega Pirate, has been transferred to the Phazon Mine sector known as The Grid, where the bleed through of Phazon through the Chozo shield occurs. While Omega Pirate has been cooperative and forthcoming in all tests and procedures, there are some of us who have our own suspicions about how much of his intellect he is withholding. On numerous occasions, he has been seen looking into the shield as if staring through it. As he does, he has been witnessed gesturing and nodding as if holding a conversation with an entity on the other side of the barrier. While some have dismissed this as Phazon mental degradation and have even celebrated its minimal effects on Omega Pirate, I have silent suspicions that his long staring sessions with the barrier are only the tip of the iceberg.”

Day 14: Relentless

Orders from Commander Ridley

“Tallon IV is now to be put on lockdown. Any vessels entering or leaving Tallon IV’s orbit are to be immediately destroyed. Curfews are to be in place for all non-combat personnel. Any unauthorized access to facilities or systems is to be reported immediately. Ration and payment rewards shall be given to any individual providing information leading to The Hunter’s capture. Capture of The Hunter is preferable to destruction. Any individuals who unnecessarily terminate The Hunter will face summary execution.”

Maytroid 2024 is here!

I am so excited to get to work on these new prompts. Last year, my entries for each day were fairly sloppy, and I was new to the series, so I was lacking a fair bit of information. Now, I’m armed with more knowledge and am eager to use it.

For those who haven’t seen what I did for Maytroid last year, what I’m going to be doing instead of art is something more writing focused. These little text entries are mostly styled after the scans from the Metroid Prime series. Matter of fact, this new set of prompts actually lends itself much better than last year’s, as I have a lot more leeway to play to my own strengths than last year (I still don’t know what the fuck I’m gonna do with Gorea). These are all canon to my own Metroid AU currently, though as things change in development, these may become out of date. They will give the vibe my stories are going for, but these shouldn’t be held to as the absolute canon for them. I’ll be posting these week by week, around 7 at a time, starting today.

Day 1: Ridley

Transcript of Security Footage

Several individuals in this footage cannot be identified at this time. They shall be identified as Pirate 1, Pirate 2, and Pirate Major.

Ridley: What I want to know… is why he is not in custody.

Pirate Major: I gave them their orders, they knew he was to be brought in alive, and instead they killed him.

Pirate 1: You told us to take care of him! We thought you meant an execution, not milk and cookies!

Pirate Major: Insolent Wretch! You say such things about your orders in front of our Commander?! You know how we handle that sort of insubordination!

Pirate 2: Cool it, we’re already in hot water.

Pirate 1: We’re in hot water because of the life of some winy little nobody that begged for his life with money he didn’t even have.

Ridley: While your insolence is… aggravating… I am willing to forgive this misstep.

Pirate Major: What?

Ridley: He was an insignificant pawn. We can always find another. As I was saying, I am willing to forgive this on one condition. Did he die in pain?

Pirate 2: Yes. He did suffer before he died.

Ridley: What methods or torture did you employ?

Pirate 1: Waterboarding. Works wonders on humans. I always liked how they sound when they cough and gasp for air.

Ridley:Mmmmm… was blood shed before his end?

Pirate 2: Yeah. My partner here has… quite the way with knives.

Ridley: Do tell.

Pirate 1: Slashed his wrists. Those arteries gush lots of blood from humans. And we started pulling teeth when he lied.

Ridley: Delicious. You have escaped capital punishment, but you will still be serving as guards for the Metroid containment units. For further forgiveness, you will need to be more creative with your implements. I find Revine’s death, by your account, to be quite dull. Your are dismissed, unless you wish to enlighten me further.

Day 2: Fiery

Scan of Pipe System in Norfair

“These pipes appear be delivering superheated magma into the Norfair region. Given the proximity to Ridley’s personal quarters, likely explanations include terraforming the area for Ridley’s own comfortability, additional protective measures, or the intentional destruction of Chozo artifacts not deemed useful. The latter is most likely, as the immediate area was once a Chozo burial tomb. It is now completely submerged in magma, disintegrating much of the artifacts within.”

Day 3: Winged

Scan of SA-X Mutations

“This X-Parasite copy has suffered some form of destabilization of its copying abilities. Abnormalities include a malformed, beak like structure around the mouth, several atrophied fingers, several hypertrophied fingers, small patches of feathers, and an extraneous structure protruding from its back resembling a Chozo wing bereft of feathers. These unusual deformities could be the result of DNA infusions during childhood complicating the process of anatomical replication within X-Parasite offspring. This individual seems to suffer great stress from its predicament, but it is unsafe to assume that its combat functionality is greatly hampered. Adaptation is this species’s main trait.”

Day 4: Pirate

Scan of Space Pirate Elite

“Subject is a member of an unknown species known only from individuals working within Ridley’s special operations group, The Revenants. This group acts as Ridley’s personal enforcers and assassins, fanatically worshipping their commander as a literal God of Death. They wield melee weapons personalized to their unique fighting styles. Each weapon is charged with electricity, giving them an additional ranged attack capability. They have operated since before the Galactic Federation, making a name for themselves in fighting Chozo warriors. Their endurance, agility, and strength cannot be overstated, in spite of their gaunt appearance.”

Day 5: Mecha

Scan of automaton codenamed Mecha Ridley

“Subject is a battle ready drone, seemingly created by Ridley’s fanatical special forces, the Revenants. Mecha Ridley is heavily weaponized, as there could be no altar to the God of Death without the ability to take a life. Weapons include flamethrowers, guided munition launchers, and superheated claws. Mecha Ridley’s armor is highly durable, but greatly hampers mobility compared to its inspiration. Additionally, as a cult idol of worship, advanced artificial intelligence was not prioritized during production. Mecha Ridley displays average combat intellect for a war drone. Recommend staying moving and outsmarting the automaton.”

Day 6: Fang

Scan of Rundas’s Necklace

“Rundas appears to have begun collecting Metroid Fangs as trophies since last he was approached. Assuming one fang was taken from each Metroid he has eliminated, he has defeated 15 Metroids in the two months since he was last seen. Unfortunately, his ego has grown with his kill count.”

Day 7: Cunning

Scan of Abandoned Home

“Old Bird and Grey Voice’s abandoned home has been left mostly in tact, minus the usual signs of neglect. However, there appear to be a plethora of traps lain around the home. Various grapple snares have been detected, alongside explosive charges, beam emitters, and microphones. Much of these systems appear to be inert, and once reported directly to Mother Brain. It is clear she anticipated you might return here before confronting her. Given her destruction, several trap systems remain completely dormant. Still, any approach must be made with great caution.”

Maytroid 2024 is here!

I am so excited to get to work on these new prompts. Last year, my entries for each day were fairly sloppy, and I was new to the series, so I was lacking a fair bit of information. Now, I’m armed with more knowledge and am eager to use it.

For those who haven’t seen what I did for Maytroid last year, what I’m going to be doing instead of art is something more writing focused. These little text entries are mostly styled after the scans from the Metroid Prime series. Matter of fact, this new set of prompts actually lends itself much better than last year’s, as I have a lot more leeway to play to my own strengths than last year (I still don’t know what the fuck I’m gonna do with Gorea). These are all canon to my own Metroid AU currently, though as things change in development, these may become out of date. They will give the vibe my stories are going for, but these shouldn’t be held to as the absolute canon for them. I’ll be posting these week by week, around 7 at a time, starting today.

Day 1: Ridley

Transcript of Security Footage

Several individuals in this footage cannot be identified at this time. They shall be identified as Pirate 1, Pirate 2, and Pirate Major.

Ridley: What I want to know… is why he is not in custody.

Pirate Major: I gave them their orders, they knew he was to be brought in alive, and instead they killed him.

Pirate 1: You told us to take care of him! We thought you meant an execution, not milk and cookies!

Pirate Major: Insolent Wretch! You say such things about your orders in front of our Commander?! You know how we handle that sort of insubordination!

Pirate 2: Cool it, we’re already in hot water.

Pirate 1: We’re in hot water because of the life of some winy little nobody that begged for his life with money he didn’t even have.

Ridley: While your insolence is… aggravating… I am willing to forgive this misstep.

Pirate Major: What?

Ridley: He was an insignificant pawn. We can always find another. As I was saying, I am willing to forgive this on one condition. Did he die in pain?

Pirate 2: Yes. He did suffer before he died.

Ridley: What methods or torture did you employ?

Pirate 1: Waterboarding. Works wonders on humans. I always liked how they sound when they cough and gasp for air.

Ridley:Mmmmm… was blood shed before his end?

Pirate 2: Yeah. My partner here has… quite the way with knives.

Ridley: Do tell.

Pirate 1: Slashed his wrists. Those arteries gush lots of blood from humans. And we started pulling teeth when he lied.

Ridley: Delicious. You have escaped capital punishment, but you will still be serving as guards for the Metroid containment units. For further forgiveness, you will need to be more creative with your implements. I find Revine’s death, by your account, to be quite dull. Your are dismissed, unless you wish to enlighten me further.

Day 2: Fiery

Scan of Pipe System in Norfair

“These pipes appear be delivering superheated magma into the Norfair region. Given the proximity to Ridley’s personal quarters, likely explanations include terraforming the area for Ridley’s own comfortability, additional protective measures, or the intentional destruction of Chozo artifacts not deemed useful. The latter is most likely, as the immediate area was once a Chozo burial tomb. It is now completely submerged in magma, disintegrating much of the artifacts within.”

Day 3: Winged

Scan of SA-X Mutations

“This X-Parasite copy has suffered some form of destabilization of its copying abilities. Abnormalities include a malformed, beak like structure around the mouth, several atrophied fingers, several hypertrophied fingers, small patches of feathers, and an extraneous structure protruding from its back resembling a Chozo wing bereft of feathers. These unusual deformities could be the result of DNA infusions during childhood complicating the process of anatomical replication within X-Parasite offspring. This individual seems to suffer great stress from its predicament, but it is unsafe to assume that its combat functionality is greatly hampered. Adaptation is this species’s main trait.”

Day 4: Pirate

Scan of Space Pirate Elite

“Subject is a member of an unknown species known only from individuals working within Ridley’s special operations group, The Revenants. This group acts as Ridley’s personal enforcers and assassins, fanatically worshipping their commander as a literal God of Death. They wield melee weapons personalized to their unique fighting styles. Each weapon is charged with electricity, giving them an additional ranged attack capability. They have operated since before the Galactic Federation, making a name for themselves in fighting Chozo warriors. Their endurance, agility, and strength cannot be overstated, in spite of their gaunt appearance.”

Day 5: Mecha

Scan of automaton codenamed Mecha Ridley

“Subject is a battle ready drone, seemingly created by Ridley’s fanatical special forces, the Revenants. Mecha Ridley is heavily weaponized, as there could be no altar to the God of Death without the ability to take a life. Weapons include flamethrowers, guided munition launchers, and superheated claws. Mecha Ridley’s armor is highly durable, but greatly hampers mobility compared to its inspiration. Additionally, as a cult idol of worship, advanced artificial intelligence was not prioritized during production. Mecha Ridley displays average combat intellect for a war drone. Recommend staying moving and outsmarting the automaton.”

Day 6: Fang

Scan of Rundas’s Necklace

“Rundas appears to have begun collecting Metroid Fangs as trophies since last he was approached. Assuming one fang was taken from each Metroid he has eliminated, he has defeated 15 Metroids in the two months since he was last seen. Unfortunately, his ego has grown with his kill count.”

Day 7: Cunning

Scan of Abandoned Home

“Old Bird and Grey Voice’s abandoned home has been left mostly in tact, minus the usual signs of neglect. However, there appear to be a plethora of traps lain around the home. Various grapple snares have been detected, alongside explosive charges, beam emitters, and microphones. Much of these systems appear to be inert, and once reported directly to Mother Brain. It is clear she anticipated you might return here before confronting her. Given her destruction, several trap systems remain completely dormant. Still, any approach must be made with great caution.”

My Personal Art Refs for the Galactic Federation’s Soldiers

So I’m in my early 20’s these days, but one thing I remember from back when I was a kid was my obsession with Mega Bloks. Mainly I was a Halo fan, but I also fell into liking a thing called Dragons Universe. It had these wacky spaceships, sci-fi dragons, spring loaded launchers, all the stuff a kid like me would love.

These days, I’m into Metroid, and am trying to flesh out a story I’m working on. The Galactic Federation’s own military forces don’t get fleshed out a lot, but we do at least have designs for their soldiers. Now, remembering back to Dragons Universe, I’m realizing the designs for the human soldiers are actually rather similar in some ways. I think I’ll likely use them as inspiration for some more specialized units in the Federation. So for anyone else who wants to do the same, I’m gonna toss you a couple images.

Maytroid… sort of… part 5!

Now, we come to the end of my little Maytroid series. If you want to understand what’s going on with these, I’d recommend glancing at the previous posts in this little series in order to understand what’s going on with this. In hindsight, I sort of wish I had put a little more time and effort into these, but I suppose it cannot be helped now. I do still enjoy the world building these have allowed me to do, and in many case have laid out the groundwork for some very interesting storytelling going forward, from the cult like worship of Phaaze, to the mysteries of SR-388. I hope to flesh these things out in future stories, but something I’ve learned from some prior experiences is to hold myself to a standard of passion over consistency. I can’t give any promises on when any of these story arcs will be properly written and posted. For now, though, onto the finale of his little series.

Day 27: Golden Torizo

Zebes Rebuilt Archive Scan

“The process to control the Torizo guardians has been a long and arduous process, with much trial and error. The Torizo are sentient, containing the souls of long deceased warriors of the Chozo. Many of my archives on Chozo spiritual studies have been lost due to the destruction of the initial archive made by my creators, so I am unable to ascertain the exact process of imbuing the soul into one of these guardian statues. Current efforts to convert the Torizo to our side have centered around continuous logic routines and straining the mental faculties of the guardians. Their on control over themselves is absolute, and they will never make a move to harm a member of the Thoha Hasana. This has had no hope of change. However, this should not pose an issue.

Ridley has personally taken one of the Torizo to convert by way of immense emotional trauma. He has regularly destroyed artifacts of great spiritual significance to the Chozo in front of the Torizo. Once a week, he has commissioned for me to create a biologically perfect Chozo egg, which he proceeds to consume in front of the Torizo. The fact that the egg is infertile has not been acknowledged. Other acts to emotionally torment the Torizo include footage of violence against animals and civilians during his raids on Galactic Federation Space and during recreational hunts, and playing footage of the massacre of the Chozo during his attack on Zebes. Such methods have shown only minor success in breaking the Torizo’s will. However, I believe he simply seeking personal pleasure from the guardian’s suffering.”

Day 28: Metroid Prime

Promise to the Entrusted One

“We have failed. While the great poison has been sealed away at its source, our population is all but dead. Only seven of us remain. We cannot hope to finish this, nor rebuild the society we once knew. Our creations are insufficient to end this. We are scientists, not the great warriors who fell to protect our world. Still, we toil, in hopes that you, the entrusted one that greatest of us foresaw, can succeed where we have not. We gift to you the armor perfected for your use, utilizing the one organism the Phazon does not infect. Go forth, hatchling of the Chozo, and save this world. You cannot save us, but this world of beautiful creatures can live on. From the trees to the fish to the very fungus that protects you in this armor, you can save this vast, wonderful world. Go forth, and free this world.”

Day 29: EMMI

Report from GFS Sunset Homage

“EMMI unit S-11 has infiltrated SR-166. Preliminary readings show minimum atmospheric Phazon contamination in general planetary range. However, creatures around the crash site have already undergone Phazon induced transfiguration. Several carcasses within a 45 mile radius of the crash sight have been found with no signs of predation and have shown definitive signs of Phazon Induced Cell Death (PICD). While exacerbating preexisting ailments has not been ruled out, current evidence points to death due solely to PICD. One herbivorous creature seen displaying erratic behavior was euthanized by S-11, and was found to have PICD in several areas of the brain.

It is this researcher’s opinion that the entire north western continent of SR-166 be put under strict quarantine. We have seen in other cases how the Phazon infestation of a planet can begin slowly but escalate exponentially. We cannot risk the Phazon crisis reach the Galactic Federation’s proverbial flank.”

Day 30: Mother Brain

Secret Agreement

“Your purpose will not be to enforce order. You will not bend the Galactic Federation to my will or push politics from the shadows. You are not an agent of peace. You are my monster. You will have your fill of blood and sadism. You will be my agent of evil to sic on those who fall astray from cooperation. You will be nothing more or less than yourself, but only where I choose. This war will last forever, and you will be the wolf for the sheep to fear. You will be the enemy.”

Day 31: Mission Completed

Mission Report

“Mission was successful. Metroid presence on SR-388 has been eradicated. Signal coming from the cavern was created by highly mutated Metroid, which was put down as well. However, I have saved and catalogued data on all Metroid permutations encountered for future reference. Glaxamore presence on the planet was low, but I did face a brief encounter with Ridley. He was beaten, but due to the arrival of the planetary super storm, I cannot confirm the kill. Additionally, I have disobeyed orders slightly. I discovered a Metroid hatchling during its hatching process. It has since imprinted on me, and has shown no signs of aggression. I have taken in the Metroid for study by the Galactic Federation. I already have drafted paperwork to ensure that it will not be tampered with for purposes of bioweapons research, and hope that the energy they metabolize can be used for something positive. Against my better judgement, I have given the hatchling a name. It’s the name of a pet I used to have before the Chozo took me in, Pyonchi… Computer, strike the last two sentences from the record.”

Maytroid… sort of… part 4!

So this will be the last time I explain the premise here. In this little series, instead of drawing images for Maytroid, I will be writing scan visor entries that Samus might have come across regarding each topic, based on my own AU. For the current state of the story, these will all be canon, but some of the characters that have either not fleshed out yet, or am simply unfamiliar with, things may change in the future. As for the final week, since it won’t be a clean seven days, I will be releasing the last of these on the 31st. But without any further delay, onto the scans.

Day 20: Meta Ridley

Space Pirate Journal Entry

“I would never be so foolish to voice any of these concerns out loud, but I cannot help but feel that our cunning leader has fallen victim to his own lust for vengeance. We may all feel the same way. After all, the Hunter destroyed our primary base of operations. But his vengeance has dipped into obsession.

Our campaign here was going extraordinarily well. Communications from the target planet had been jammed to prevent Galactic Federation intervention. The planetary defense fleet had sustained significant losses. They were not yet beaten, but they were weak. And their flagship was already being overrun by our boarding groups. Commander Ridley’s plan was working perfectly. The Fuel Gel shipment would have been our’s for the taking. The Commander’s toothy grin brought us all satisfaction, that there was nothing that could go wrong. Then we received our first report about the Hunter’s arrival. As soon as the report sounded across the command deck, Ridley’s smile disappeared. He stared off into space for several seconds, his expression blank. Then, without a word, he turned and strode out of the command deck. Incoming transmissions requesting orders from the commander were left unanswered, and his combat genius was left out. Even with him personally engaging Samus in combat, our own forces slowly began to be thwarted.

I believe this battle to be lost, but I cannot hold a candle to Ridley’s own battlefield wisdom. If he has not ordered a retreat, we will stay and fight. Though I fear it will be to the death.”

Day 21: Omega Metroid

Incomplete Chozo Script

“Our Ultimate Warriors have grown rampant. In our haste to create something that would subdue a great evil, we created another one, one that was just as ravenous. They have begun to feed on the native life of The Agar Planet, something our empath shamans have forbade of them. Where we had control”-illegible-“worse. Instead of the gelatinous bodies that could even be soothing to the touch, they have developed hardened carapaces, sharp claws, and unchecked aggression. One of our empathy, Light Hand, attempted to stop one of the greatest of these creatures from attacking a Moheek. She naively believed that her physical presence would convince the beast to follow her commands. The creature grabbed”-illegible-“six warriors in order to defeat it with our most powerful weapons. This”-illegible-“Quiet Robe believes that this may be a side effect of the Agar energy. However,”-illegible-“could be a result of their rushed creation. In his own words, ‘we are shepherds of life, not”-illegible-“may have to request aid from the Mawkin Hasana. The Ultimate Warriors are growing move dangerous by the days.”

Day 22: Sylux

Blood Skies computer scan

“Our attempts to hire the Bounty Hunter known as Sylux have failed. Previous reports indicated an intense hatred of the Galactic Federation, though the reasons for this animosity have been fairly unclear. What is clear to see is his penchant for disrupting Galactic Federation military supply lines.

Our own agent met Sylux at a bar he had frequented for three months. The agent asked him about the possibility of both a big score, and to twist the knife in the side of the Galactic Federation. Sylux initially showed interest, and the pair left the bar. Contact with the agent was subsequently lost. Further investigation uncovered an unfortunate discovery. The body of our agent was brutally maimed, and Sylux, presumably, scrawled a message in the agent’s own bodily fluids.

‘You’re no better.’

Further attempts to recruit Sylux have been deemed a waste of resources. Recommend search for other possible contractors.”

Day 23: Arachnus

Incomplete Chozo scrypt

“One of the more corrupted Ultimate Warriors was seen attacking an adult Arachnus. Our”-illegible-“creature was drained of its essence in a matter of seconds. After such a display of force against what was once the dominant natural predator of The Agar Planet, the problem can no longer be sidestepped or responded to a slow and delicate manor. A formal request to the Tanumar of the Mawkin Hasana has been”-illegible-“have been asked to remain indoors for their own safety. Still, the Ultimate Warriors continue to attack us. We can only hope that”-illegible

Day 24: Thardus

Orpheon computer scan

“Project Titan is proceeding with passable results. While creating a living weapon with no genetic signature has been deemed impossible, there has been success. The most successful subject has been nicknamed Thardus by security. Large rock structures have been successfully implemented, meaning that it is only a matter of time before we have a creature that can fit into a rock wall and strike when the enemy least expects it. This will make it perfectly camouflageed and difficult for enemies to detect, and with little to no maintenance, unlike costly sentries. To test safe parameters of subject growth, Thardus is to been transported planetside with the next two days.”

Day 25: Chozo Warrior

Intel Scan

“Artifact appears to be a Chozo spear. Carbon dating appears to place this weapon at being left in the dirt for around nine months. Due to the presence of long abandoned Chozo ruins on the planet, it is likely that one or more Chozo returned to this planet within the last six months. All scans of SR-388 report no non-pirate activity above the planet any sooner.”

Day 26: Gandrayda

Paper Note left on Gate

“Congratulations on Zebes! Always nice to see another Hunter hit it big. After all, you are a hunter, right? I don’t mean to pry or demean. I mean, I’d lose my license if it was known I attacked another Bounty Hunter. And how could I face down a bounty Hunter that fought a terror attack on the capitol of the Federation, captured a pirate king, and left a space pirate stronghold in shambles? I mean, that sort of thing is just unbelievable, don’t you think? I mean, it’s a really tough notion to believe. Ya know, tons of fakers claim these sorts of things all the time. But you’re the real deal. Right?

Our target is trapped within the next building, so we got time. Hopefully we can ‘chat’.

See ya, Sammy

Lady Gandrayda”

Maytroid… sort of… part 3!

To recap once more, instead of artwork, I will be writing different scan visor log entries for the various Maytroid prompts, set with my AU version of the Metroid series. While there may be some changes involved here, (especially regarding characters and creatures that I haven’t even considered before Maytroid), these are currently canon to the story of my AU. Feel free to ask about any of the data scans or about characters outside of the Maytroid prompts. If it isn’t a serious spoiler, or a character I have once again not considered yet, I will be happy to elaborate! Without further ado, onto the scans.

Day 13: Emperor Ing

Writings of a Corrupted Luminoth

“I know I am dying. My body is failing me. We tried so hard to fight the Ing, and for a small time we were winning. And yet here I sit, in the dark, alone. I have sealed myself in with no escape in case the corruption festering within my body transforms me into a pawn of the darkness. However, I believe my body has been deemed by the Emperor of the Ing to not be worth using. Even as its gaze is turned away from me in its all seeing grasp of the darkness, I can still see it, somehow. Like a shadow through stained glass, I can see the Emperor. It commands the Ing like a computer controlling a system. The Ing are individual, yet beholden to the one. And the one can corrupt us with its foul touch. I have seen it before my own eyes. I beg and plead now, to a force of nature, that my mind remains my own. I may die, but at least I will not be turned against the righteous.”

Day 14: Ghor

Intel Scan

“Fewer than 10% of organic material remains. Subject’s species cannot be determined without organic samples. Mechanical housing for brain casing appears custom made, as with the rest of the endoskeleton. Unable to determine if endoskeleton reflects the subject’s natural anatomy, or is otherwise purposefully conducive of recreating normal bodily experiences. Endoskeleton has several multipurpose communications outlays for interfacing with a vast array of computer systems.”

Day 15: Corpius

Battle Scan

“Subject appears to have fused with a Chozo cloaking device. Location of device cannot be directly triangulated due to its own digital interference. Overall anatomy is in line with various murals throughout the planet showing ritual combat against a wild beast. It is likely that this creature was specifically chosen for its innate ability to combat trained Chozo warriors.”

Day 16: Sheegoth

Battle Scan

“Subject appears to be an adult of the Sheegoth species. The crystalline structures on its back are natural formations that conduct heat energy in a way that empowers the subject. Due to the time required for such mineral formations to form naturally, it is likely that the Sheegoth was modified by the Chozo for use as a guardian. Avoid targeting near the subject’s crystal structures in order to prevent it from gaining more power.”

Day 17: Rundas

Galactic Federation Report

“The Phrygisian Bounty Hunter known as Rundas has made an exceptional name for himself since the start of the large scale conflict with the Glaxamore pirate faction. Due to his species’s innate cryokinetic abilities, he has had great success against the threat of the Metroid bioweapons. Such proficiency has only been seen previously by Bounty Hunter Samus Aran, one of the first Galactic Federation associates to face the Metroids. However, his ego, cynicism, and propensity to work alone have hindered his reliability for such sensitive missions. Still, when a Metroid threat arises and Lady Aran is preoccupied with other assignments, Master Rundas is an excellent bounty hunter to seek out.”

Day 18: Serris

GFS Chainmail computer scan

“The creature known as the Serris was a legend among the people of the planet Listor for centuries. Tales of a creature that could chew through the armor plating of the planet’s ancient city-ships were known far and wide, and their destruction was self evident. Upon discovering the Serris for the first time, it was discovered that it had a compound in its saliva capable of rapidly disintegrating most metal compounds, including those found in the hulls of most starships. Strangely, this compound does not appear to affect organic materials in the same way, simply producing a burning sensation in a similar vein as capsaicin does to humans, though this affect has been known to affect skin and exoskeletons as well. Instead, it relies on rows or sharp teeth to dismember and consume prey. The Serris must be kept contained in a habit with thick, self sealing, vulcanized rubber at all times. If it breaks out of containment, it could cause catastrophic depressurization of any area of the ship it reaches, or breach the containment of other subjects held aboard the GFS Chainmail.”

Day 19: Dark Samus

The Dark Hunter’s Scripture

“I know you can all see it. The place from which our great gift of Phazon comes from. I know we all see the name in our mind’s eye just as we see its purpose, and yet both are concepts that defy all language and description. It calls to us me. We are its children, inheritors, and warriors all the same. We will worship the one and thank it for the gifts it has bestowed. We will use this power and enjoy its might and vision. We will bring its perfection onto the galaxy as a whole. Those who cannot partake the Phazon will be culled. Such is the way things shall and must always be. In the long history of Earth, when the first oxygen producing organisms first flourished, the creatures who could not survive it simply did not, and those who were empowered grew and swept across the planet, flourishing. They were the ancestors of the humans that exist now. Such will be the way of the whole galaxy as we bring the perfection of Phazon to every planet, every moon, every ship. The one commands this and shows us why it is needed, so we shall make it so.”

Maytroid… sort… part 2!

To recap, since I forgot to add the tags when I initially posted the first installment, I’m doing a different sort of twist on Maytroid. As opposed to art for this prompt, I am writing some snippets that might be data than Samus would scan on her various missions. While some of these are subject to change in the process of fully writing the story, these are canon for where the story is at at this current juncture. Without further ado, time for part 2.

Day 6: Queen Metroid

Intel on Planet Designation SR-388

Planet SR-388 appears to have an active Metroid population. However, the circumstances surrounding this population are unusual. SR-388 atmosphere is highly turbulent, and has had an active super-tornado that engulfs large swathes of the planet for the entire seven months that the planet has been catalogued. All life of the planet is largely relegated to the planet’s abundant cave networks, with cross network migration only occurring in the times when weather is conducive to survival on the surface. The Metroid population on SR-388 is localized in a cave network only recently opened up by particularly destructive weather patterns. Life scans in the inside show an estimated 640 Metroid specimens. There is also signs of a much larger creature in this cave network, emitting a frequency that can be detected by our drones within low orbit. The strength of this creature to produce such a powerful frequency must be immense, just as with its durability to live within a Metroid infested habitat. It is believed that SR-388 is the home planet of the Metroids, and that they were brought off world either by the Glaxamore Pirates, or another piratical faction before falling into their hands. Given the pirates’ vested interest in the Metroid species, it has been deemed critical that the infestation be eradicated for the safety of the galaxy and the surrounding ecosystems on the planet.

Day 7: Gorea

Incoming transmission

“Your world seems small. A single oxygen atom in an endless ocean. Your bonds are unbreakable but to those willing to confront you down at the level you exist in, tearing your kin from you personally. I can offer, with the last breath of my existence in this reality something more. Become a ship and sail upon this endless sea. Forge destiny for yourself, bend oceans to your will, find that which you desire most. If you have the strength to overcome, find that which remains of me. Make something of my last gasp, and gain power, The Power. Your technology can lead you to the world where this mission begins.”

Day 8: Nightmare

GFS Chainmail computer scan

We are still unaware of the origins of subject MF-1. While it was found on planet SR-121, MF-1’s cellular structure is carbon based, while the native life on SR-121 is silicon based, meaning this creature is likely not native to the planet. No wreckage of ships, other similar individuals, or signs of civilization were found on SR-121 in subsequent expeditions, leading to the subject being quarantined aboard the GFS Chainmail. MF-1’s body is largely composed metal alloys, with parts being subsequently added from surrounding metal by an unknown process. Further testing is required on understanding the process and extent of this capability. The only known method of preventing this siphoning of metal materials is through exposure to temperatures below -40° Celsius. Until safe and effective testing can be performed, MF-1 is to be kept in stasis chamber C at a temperature of -55° Celsius.

Day 9: Phantoon

Vol Paragom computer scan

Our partnership with Mother Brain is already beginning to bear fruit. Through her own research and experimentation, we have managed to seize a Phantoon creature from the Galaxy’s deep core. Their ability to subsist off of expelled energy from Black Holes and Space Ship power cores alike has long since fascinated us, and to have a specimen of our own to study is a true delight. The currently held subject is dubbed PH-3, and will be undergoing rigorous testing to bring it under our own control. If we can have a sentinel that will drain power from enemy ships while leaving our own untouched, we will have an unbeatable advantage.

Day 10: Kanden

Galactic Federation Report

The individual known as Kanden applied for a Bounty Hunting License in 2503 FF, and raised various concerns from the get-go. Independent fact checkers have found evidence that Kanden was a lab experiment gone wrong. While born an Enoema, he was experimented on by his own government, likely without consent, in order to create a perfect weapon in order for the race to stand completely independent in an increasingly war torn galaxy. However, upon his first field deployment, Kanden was able to cut a swath of destruction through Enoema leadership, leaving the race defenseless and uncoordinated as the Glaxamore pirates descended upon them in a genocidal campaign. These experiences have left Kanden with a variety of psychological disorders. In spite of, or perhaps due to this tragic past, Kanden has since taken multiple jobs for Glaxamore, appearing to not choose sides within the current conflict. However, it has been decided that he is more valuable with the Federation, rather than demonized entirely.

Day 11: Diggernaut

Incomplete Chozo script

“Our harvesting of the planet’s resources has gone well. Due to the secluded nature”-illegible-“to wildlife has been successfully prevented. Our machines have been given the intelligence to and compassion to immediately cease mining if any wildlife will be put in risk by”-illegible- “will be”- illegible-“planet”-illegible-“field has been working to an acceptable extent. Our settlement has been spared the destruction of the storm, but is still occasionally battered by harsh winds that make work and travel impractical.”-illegible

Day 12: Raven Beak

Diary Entry

Dear Diary,

I had another dream about the man with the broken face. Once again, he just stared at me, as judging every aspect of my soul. His beak still hasn’t healed after all of these years, nor has it deteriorated. I know it’s just a nightmare, but it has Old Bird and Gray Voice very shaken up. Gray Voice even put training on hold for a day. That is NOT normal. I wonder if this is simply a thing related to growing up, maybe some sort of hormonal imbalance caused by the gene splicing. That could possibly explain some of it. Though Old Bird has gone to Bright Tallon for hours, which might mean my imbalance is more spiritual. Hopefully, things will return to normal soon, even if I am breaking bones again.

Maytroid!… sort of?

So contrary to my name, I don’t actually do a whole lot of art. It’s quite rare in fact. What I do more often, though, is write. I made a previous post about some tidbits about my own Metroid AU I’m working on. So naturally, for me, I wanted to do something similar for Maytroid. However, I felt like prattling on about the different characters and creatures for each prompt would get old pretty fast. So instead, I’m gonna style these like data logs that Samus Aran might have scanned throughout her various missions. There will be some areas that may change in the future, especially where I’m approaching the topic for the first time, like with Z-57. To avoid spam, I’m going to group these into weeks, releasing a group of these “scans” every Friday up until the end of May. Without further ado, let’s begin. 

Day 1: Ruins Test

Chozo mural transcribed and translated

“The greatest warriors of all peoples and all walks of life are not measured by their capacity for violence and destruction, the power to end life. A weapon does all of these things. What a warrior is, what a warrior is attuned to, is his moral compass. Without it, a warrior is simply a weapon, pliable and controllable as the blade, or indifferent and rabid as a roaring flame. To be a warrior and lead warriors relies on your ability to take life and preserve your mind, conscience, and convictions. Of all the wonders that we, the Chozo, bring forth, none are so valuable as the absolute attunement of the mind. And yet, it is one we cannot give. It must be found.

Find it.”

Day 2: Omega Pirate

Scan of Glaxamore data terminal from operations on Tallon IV

“Subject 42 mental acuity has experienced minimal degradation. Upon numerous tactical exercises, carefully trained to minimize subject’s innate advantages brought about by Phazon, tactical prowess has been measured at 40/35, well within expected parameters for standard soldiers. Subject has been agreeable and eager during testing, needing minimum coaching to enter suspended animation, surgical procedures, or live fire interviews.

However, there have been questions and concerns regarding the possibility of sudden and catastrophic mental deterioration. Subject 42 has multiple times reported hearing whispers and visions when inert. Subject has additionally reported dreams of planets completely enveloped in Phazon. While the possibility of locating such a deposit of Phazon would be invaluable to securing Glaxamore’s supremacy, and the study of Phazon Parapsychology is still burgeoning, such dreams have been deemed too unreliable to warrant the resources necessary to locate such a planet.”

Day 3: SA-X

Ship log: Presence Queries

Subject: Samus Aran

23:04 (Landing bay)

23:28 (Medical ward)

06:45 (Facility Lab Entrance) (Medical Ward) Addendum: Triangulation Error

06:47 (X-Parasite Containment) (Medical War) Addendum: Triangulation Error

06:53 (X-Parasite Containment) (Nautalis Containment) (Medical War) Addendum: Triangulation Error

Multiple triangulation errors detected. Location data deemed unreliable by Aurora Unit.

Day 4: Spire

Intel Scan

Individual appears to be a Diamont. Galactic Federation records list the species as extinct after the destruction of their star. Biological scans indicate individual is 572 DY, making him middle aged by Diamont standards. Hormone and body language readings indicate he is experiencing immense and repeated emotional distress.

Day 5: Experiment Z-57

Battle Scan

Creature appears to be Corpius specimen with heavy biological modification. Immediately identifiable modification include various flesh grafts, four bio-prostheses, poison glands, and a low intensity plasma cutter. Scarred into the creature’s flesh are the Chozo words “Hadar sen Olmen”. The end result of the modifications is increased speed and dexterity, heat resistance, a poisonous bite to unarmored bio forms, and a powerful ranged attack. Log will be updated with further data upon availability.

Dread it… run from it… destiny arrives all the same. Or rather, lesbians, bird people, and pirates. The series kinda just grabbed onto me out of seemingly nowhere at the beginning of March. Resisted the urge at first as a whole lot of series have disappointed me but, man, this fits all the niches for me. Great female protagonist, lost civilization tropes, pirates, galactic politics, galaxy threatening parasites. I honestly don’t know why I didn’t dive in sooner. To speak about the learning Chozo bit, it’s a slow process for me. Spring break is coming up, so I might take that opportunity to expedite the process then.

Mostly, however, I’m gonna share some more token details from my Metroid AU. Granted, I may be jumping the gun, as I haven’t gotten an opportunity to actually play a Metroid game, so perhaps I’m not the best gal to write a story on the matter. But the world building is fun. Without further ado, I will now proceed to rant about actual tidbits from the AU.

1. Ala the manga, Samus does have a slight telepathic bond between her two Chozo blood donors, Grey Voice and Raven Beak. However, due to hardly ever seeing Raven Beak, she does not recognize him. He appears in dreams though, in which she describes him as “the man with the broken face”. Yes, I’m going with his beak being a prosthetic. In any case, in the rare few times Samus dreams of this man with the broken face, he simply tells her to come find him. With time, however, Samus writes the dreams off as just that, dreams.

2. Ridley’s moniker of The Cunning God of Death is taken to another level. While he is well aware that he has no supernatural power or dominion, he styles himself as a god. In his speeches to his underlings, he proclaims the masses they will slaughter as “the mortals”, with his personal kill squad being known as The Revenants. His propensity to survive the unsurvivable helps cement this image in both the eyes of the pirates he controls, and the enemies who hear tales of his crimes.

3. While this may be controversial, the whole term of Space Pirates will be vastly expanded upon. As opposed to one great monolith of a faction, there will be many factions and sub factions jockeying for power in the lawless regions of space. Ridley and (upon the invasion of Zebes) Mother Brain’s faction are known as the Glaxamore. Additionally, membership into these various Space Pirate factions is not particularly restricted by race. There are a great many human and elfan pirates, in Glaxamore and beyond. One such human pirate will be a ship captain in the fleet surrounding Zebes, post invasion.

4. Back during Samus’s teenage years on Zebes, she and Old Bird would play pranks on Grey Voice. One such instance that I am itching to write, if for no other reason than my own entertainment, is when the snuck an Iono Feria (peaceful creature, once again, from the Manga), into Grey Voice’s personal study in the middle of the night, much to his fright and frustration when he woke up the next morning.

5. To speak more about Samus in particular, I wanted to dip more into the character-at-rest portion of her personality. While she is still a loner, she does make use of that time to improve herself beyond her ability to fight and survive. For one thing, she meditates. She tries a variety of different techniques, both human and Chozo, in order to commune with nature. This pursuit was one Old Bird passed onto her. Another thing she inherited from the Chozo is an accent! Samus and the Chozo speak English with a very distinct accent, which is slightly comparable to Greek or Spanish. I may pitch in some voice acting to show what I mean at some point, but not yet. Lastly, in addition to power suit and zero suit, another staple of her wardrobe is a Chozo poncho, with ornate patterning and a very earthy color palette. She often wears it during meditation sessions or when she simply wants to chill.

And that will be all for now. If you guys are interested in hearing more tidbits of this AU, I would be happy to post more. For now, however, I will leave it at this.