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maelstromtear.bsky.social
Maelstrom Tear
@maelstromtear.bsky.social
70 followers 35 following 61 posts
he/him - Mitchell Toolen, but feel free to say Mitch, Mael, or "Hey, You!" Podcast editor/producer in order to pay for too many model kits. Saying artist and writer sounds too good, so I'd rather say doodler and scribbler.
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maelstromtear.bsky.social
Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · Jul 21
Just realized I don't have a pin. So you know what, here's my animals, Guster and Mona. This is what gets me up every day. Usually literally! And a tribute to my muse, Maximus. They have had some adventures in their own right, but probably only the alt text would be able to cover that.
Guster is my boy. I know that plenty of people call their cats their kids, but we share the same hair color. He is my son. Gus was found by a family friend who couldn't take them in because he has dogs. And being the requisite family that takes in strays, we took him in. While he does meow plenty (usually for food), his real is his purr. I have never had a cat with such a loud motor. Different speeds and trills and even a little harmony depending on how relaxed he is. Right at the start of 2020, Gus got sick. Enough that we had to take him to the emergency vet in the middle of the night. He had crystal buildup in his system that caused blockage. A procedure would be costly. But his purr told me I had to go with it. So after getting, quite literally, torn a new one, he made it out and was fine. For a while. Around 2024, his right eye started to get darker. The vet said it was glaucoma, and not only would he lose sight but the pressure in his eye would be causing him pain. So one enucleation later, and he becomes a pirate. All fine, right? Well. Come December 2025 I notice he's being real cautious with jumps. Another trip to the vet. Same thing, total blindness. Now he's a double-pirate. He's still pretty mobile. As you can see, he can navigate the cat tower and chill in the sunlight. And even plays with toy mice! And of course, the motor runs loud as ever. I love my boy. This is Mona. She was found completely by accident in a series of silly events. Did you know that in addition to purring, Gus loves hunting? We had a night where a baby garter snake somehow made its way through the cracks in the basement into MY ROOM. Gus found it first, still having some vision but obviously a sharp nose. Even though it was a baby, I didn't want him to get hurt. So I grabbed it with a paper towel and went outside to toss it. And in our backyard, there was a slightly bigger black mass. Not a snake, but a fleabag of a kitten. Missing fur, scratching constantly and lots of obvious bug bites. A meow like an old lady who smokes two packs a day. And despite looking quite feral and definitely not housed, she came up and rubbed against my legs like it was nothing. Now mind you, this was only a few months after Maximus passed (which if you're reading these in sequence, sorry for spoilers) so I wasn't even sure if I was ready for another cat besides Gus. But sure enough... I coaxed her into a cage we had for the dogs (I love the dogs but they are my parent's so no time for Zeus and Luna's stories) and called the vet first thing next day. Even then I wasn't sure, I had them in the system as "Turd" because having a real name brings attachment. You can guess by now that didn't stick. Though looking back, she's still kind of a turd so maybe it was the right call. No chip, no history. Just a chance meeting. Eventually she grew her hair back very slowly. It was like the reverse of a printer losing toner. Now Mona pesters Gus and finds every angle to get into my lap when I sit down. Most of the time I oblige. Maximus Bosch is such a grandiose name, but look at the guy! He was a king! All the way back in 2006, this runt was found in the park by a family friend where I worked at the pool. And being the house that takes in the strays... I was just starting high school when he came into my life. Sure he was your standard issue cat, but he carried himself like a prince. That is, until he meowed. Never got that puberty hit. Max was my shadow. Wherever I'd go, he was there. If I took a shower, he would be at the door. He was weirdly fond of the soap smell. Wasn't much of a lap cat, though. He did like to sit on me when I was in bed, usually if the food bowls weren't filled to his liking. Which kind of defeated the purpose of getting me to get up. And if you tried to sit next to him, he would get up... Just to walk around and then come back in the same spot. Like it had to be "his" decision to honor you with his presence. Max lived to the ripe old age of 14. I'm pretty sure he's still here somewhere. I definitely feel him sitting on me sometimes. One more picture to show Mo and Gus' usual dynamic. She also now wears a bell to give him a little chance.
Reposted by Maelstrom Tear
wooliewoolz.bsky.social
Thank you! I had more fun than expected. Thanks to @patstaresat.bsky.social for the sherpaing and to everyone that jumped on to play together.
maelstromtear.bsky.social Maelstrom Tear @maelstromtear.bsky.social · 6d
It's the end of an era for Jo Guns... Thanks to @wooliewoolz.bsky.social and @patstaresat.bsky.social for the great streams. #woolievsart #patstaresart
September 10, 2026 at 2:21 AM
maelstromtear.bsky.social
It's the end of an era for Jo Guns... Thanks to @wooliewoolz.bsky.social and @patstaresat.bsky.social for the great streams. #woolievsart #patstaresart
September 10, 2026 at 12:27 AM
maelstromtear.bsky.social
I drew this before @crisscrossstudios.bsky.social crossed the sub goal. Which is good, because I couldn't do it myself! I got real cats to steal my money, @patstaresat.bsky.social and @wooliewoolz.bsky.social ! #patstaresart #woolievsart
Mael looks at his bank statement. Between a double enucleation for Guster and a recent diabetes diagnosis for Mona, it's been a fun six months. But things are finally looking up! "ATTENTION!" Someone cries out. It's Woolie, somewhere with a megaphone. "SUBSCRIBE OR JO GUNS WILL DIE" The man with a megaphone stands next to one Jo Guns, on a hangman's stage. She holds a sign that says 'SUBS OR DEATH', while cautiously waving. Though weakened, Mael still resolves to open his mostly empty wallet.
September 9, 2026 at 8:50 PM
Reposted by Maelstrom Tear
fkaminty.bsky.social
September 9, 2026 at 11:49 AM
Reposted by Maelstrom Tear
fabianinfinite.bsky.social
Hokuto no Jo!
#woolievsart
It took me quite a while to finish it, that jo's already studying the ways of the sword lol. Color version in progress. (heavily based on artpiece of hokuto no ken)
September 8, 2026 at 7:20 PM
maelstromtear.bsky.social
On this episode of Get into FFXIV, @wooliewoolz.bsky.social is almost at the finish line of ARR! Plus or minus a few detours. And to continue the Samurai Showcase (SamSho?), one Jestream Jo! And then @patstaresat.bsky.social becomes Patdowner after that ending... #patstaresart #woolievsart
In the depths of Dzemael Darkhold, Patron and Jo Guns run through. "They streamlined these dungeons, so it's pretty straightforward..." He explains, unaware that Jo Guns is going the entirely wrong way. Maybe should've drawn her as Zoro... Jo Guns joins the Desperados. Somebody tell Woolie that it's totally possible to sort of make this with the Late Allagan stuff! ...Nobody tell him that it's all PVP stuff! Seriously, Raiden's Revengeance fit is ridiculous. Maybe in motion it looks good, but there's so many greebles! So this one died in drafts. The obvious answer was to make Pat himself Sundowner, only solidified by the end of the stream where they were discussing the scheduled finale of A Realm Reborn. Sorry, Patdowner. Can't have that!
September 2, 2026 at 9:51 PM
maelstromtear.bsky.social
Not sure if I would be looking forward to a potato future... #patstaresart #woolievsart
Patron contemplates his latest Fantasia. While it's thanks to the generosity of his fanbase, it does leave him in perfect punting range from one Jo Guns.
August 28, 2026 at 9:46 PM
maelstromtear.bsky.social
On this episode of Get into FFXIV, @wooliewoolz.bsky.social strikes it out on his own! Well, Reggie there for support but without any @patstaresat.bsky.social does this mean he's in? And now "Jo Guns as other samurai" is now a series, I guess! Enjoy some Mugen-style Jo. #woolievsart #patstaresart
While taking on the most recent event, Jo Guns finds her voice. They could've used more of these in the ARR revamp. Side "how the sausage is made" note, trying to fight Photoshop for mask feathering was such a pain in the butt I gave up. What you're seeing is a cheat of using gradients and the same color as the background to fudge it. Jo Guns as Mugen! Maybe in the future with animation skins, we'll be able to get some Fuga/Fuko breakdancing sword spins. Bonus! Recreating a piece from Samurai Champloo with Patron, Jo Guns and my own dumb SAM, Mags. Maybe it's parasocial to be throwing in my own WoL but I claim artistic liberty! Or maybe we just need one more person on the mic to step up. I'm looking at you, Reggie! I wanna see what you can cook with the character creator!
August 27, 2026 at 9:58 PM
Reposted by Maelstrom Tear
drewscanlon.bsky.social
Hi Internet! I'm Drew and THIS IS MY FACE.

If this GIF has ever brought you joy in the past, I humbly ask you to consider making a donation to the National MS Society. It would mean a lot to me and to those I know affected by the disease!

Donate at blinkingguy.com
August 24, 2026 at 3:59 PM
Reposted by Maelstrom Tear
rspanner.bsky.social
Thanks for the reminder, Gazlowe

(Audio is from a clip by Northernlion)
May 18, 2025 at 9:28 PM
maelstromtear.bsky.social
On this episode of Get into FFXIV with @wooliewoolz.bsky.social and @patstaresat.bsky.social , we defend the honor of best boy Haurchefant! As well as a comment someone made that Pat highlighted. As for the last one... I should probably apologize for, more like. #patstaresart #woolievsart
Within only a few seconds of seeing Haurchefant, Jo Guns mocks him. "Hoche-fart.", she says, looking quite smug. Abusing their power of self-insert, the artist's WoL Mags Riese comes to his defense. "Hey! You be nice to best boy!" Meanwhile, Patron gets pelted by snowballs. I think someone said this in chat, and Pat said it out loud as well. So I had to make it. I'm sure you'll all be responsible about putting different things in the fields. No more Jo Guns, Alpha and Omega. Now it's Jo Guns, the Samurai Slasher! And again, I'm sorry. This was made in a fugue state and by the time I regained control it was pretty much already done.
August 20, 2026 at 12:16 AM
maelstromtear.bsky.social
Felt inspired after that Jo Guns Vergil to give @patstaresat.bsky.social 's Patron the same treatment, so here's a (Legendary?) Dark Knight! And then I went a bit farther... But with the upcoming animation skins, this could be a reality! #patstaresart #woolievsart #ffxiv
Patron in that DMC5 outfit. No Sparda or Devil Sword Dante, but that fancy new Occult Crescent sword! Patron opens up with a salvo of Unmend from his trusty Ebony and Iv- Wait, that says Elmo & Boose. Huh. Either way, Jo Guns casually deflects with some Third Eye shenanigans. Not High level enough for that Tengetsu... Jo Guns responds with a sudden Midare Setsugekka! But Patron parries that with a hit of The Blackest Night, while flipping Jo the bird.
August 15, 2026 at 5:57 PM
maelstromtear.bsky.social
On this episode of Get into FFXIV with @wooliewoolz.bsky.social and @patstaresat.bsky.social , Jo Guns studies the blade! It's only a matter of time before she wields the Yamato, if you ask me... #woolievsart #patstaresart
Jo Guns in that LVL 50 Nameless set. It's honestly a solid fit for her color scheme. People in chat were saying Baiken or Jetstream Sam, but come on. It's gotta be Vergil. "You knew this was inevitable." Even Jo Guns knows!
August 12, 2026 at 9:04 PM
maelstromtear.bsky.social
Vacation time for me and some characters!
August 6, 2026 at 2:14 PM
maelstromtear.bsky.social
I'm pretty sure @wooliewoolz.bsky.social and @patstaresat.bsky.social aren't doing any FFXIV stuff this week. But even if they were I'm busy on vacation! Maybe Jo Guns could get the summer treatment too, but it's not really my place to say...* #patstaresart #woolievsart
Hey look! It's that swimsuit you get for being a paid subscriber to FFXIV! Despite being quite immaculate in black, Jo Guns is adamantly against it.
August 5, 2026 at 5:06 PM
maelstromtear.bsky.social
On this episode of Get into FFXIV, Jo Guns got gear-checked... Though that Manor/Monk fit was pretty good! Thank you for the streams and kind words @patstaresat.bsky.social & @wooliewoolz.bsky.social ! #patstaresart #woolievsart
A Jo Guns lies on the ground after taking too many hits from some ashkin. Yes, that's actually their name! Patron on the other hand is so high-leveled it barely registers. Thankfully there was a whole bunch of healers on standby to get Jo Guns back on her feet. Disclaimer: I used my dumb character Mags Riese out of convenience, I was too busy with work to join... Jo Guns with that Manor and Monk mix. I think if you can dye the Manor stuff, it'd be a good look for her!
July 31, 2026 at 12:22 AM
maelstromtear.bsky.social
Your work has inspired me. #patstaresart #woolievsart
July 27, 2026 at 7:01 PM
maelstromtear.bsky.social
A lot of stuff going on with @wooliewoolz.bsky.social and @patstaresat.bsky.social in this FFXIV stream! #woolievsart #patstaresart
"Wow, what a mansion!" Patron's delivery is questionable. Ignore the glowing under his sunglasses, and the fact that as a Viera he's got to tape them to the side of his face to stay on. Jo Guns is mostly just perplexed. Maybe the master of unlocking in this case is just... Punching locks really hard. That'll open it up. Easier than collecting keys. Jo Guns gets her first portrait made! And a dumb SAM is here to help with the background. You think this stuff just makes itself? An early moment in the stream where Jo Guns was enamored by the adorable wind-up FF1 minions.
July 23, 2026 at 12:24 AM
maelstromtear.bsky.social
Just realized I don't have a pin. So you know what, here's my animals, Guster and Mona. This is what gets me up every day. Usually literally! And a tribute to my muse, Maximus. They have had some adventures in their own right, but probably only the alt text would be able to cover that.
Guster is my boy. I know that plenty of people call their cats their kids, but we share the same hair color. He is my son. Gus was found by a family friend who couldn't take them in because he has dogs. And being the requisite family that takes in strays, we took him in. While he does meow plenty (usually for food), his real is his purr. I have never had a cat with such a loud motor. Different speeds and trills and even a little harmony depending on how relaxed he is. Right at the start of 2020, Gus got sick. Enough that we had to take him to the emergency vet in the middle of the night. He had crystal buildup in his system that caused blockage. A procedure would be costly. But his purr told me I had to go with it. So after getting, quite literally, torn a new one, he made it out and was fine. For a while. Around 2024, his right eye started to get darker. The vet said it was glaucoma, and not only would he lose sight but the pressure in his eye would be causing him pain. So one enucleation later, and he becomes a pirate. All fine, right? Well. Come December 2025 I notice he's being real cautious with jumps. Another trip to the vet. Same thing, total blindness. Now he's a double-pirate. He's still pretty mobile. As you can see, he can navigate the cat tower and chill in the sunlight. And even plays with toy mice! And of course, the motor runs loud as ever. I love my boy. This is Mona. She was found completely by accident in a series of silly events. Did you know that in addition to purring, Gus loves hunting? We had a night where a baby garter snake somehow made its way through the cracks in the basement into MY ROOM. Gus found it first, still having some vision but obviously a sharp nose. Even though it was a baby, I didn't want him to get hurt. So I grabbed it with a paper towel and went outside to toss it. And in our backyard, there was a slightly bigger black mass. Not a snake, but a fleabag of a kitten. Missing fur, scratching constantly and lots of obvious bug bites. A meow like an old lady who smokes two packs a day. And despite looking quite feral and definitely not housed, she came up and rubbed against my legs like it was nothing. Now mind you, this was only a few months after Maximus passed (which if you're reading these in sequence, sorry for spoilers) so I wasn't even sure if I was ready for another cat besides Gus. But sure enough... I coaxed her into a cage we had for the dogs (I love the dogs but they are my parent's so no time for Zeus and Luna's stories) and called the vet first thing next day. Even then I wasn't sure, I had them in the system as "Turd" because having a real name brings attachment. You can guess by now that didn't stick. Though looking back, she's still kind of a turd so maybe it was the right call. No chip, no history. Just a chance meeting. Eventually she grew her hair back very slowly. It was like the reverse of a printer losing toner. Now Mona pesters Gus and finds every angle to get into my lap when I sit down. Most of the time I oblige. Maximus Bosch is such a grandiose name, but look at the guy! He was a king! All the way back in 2006, this runt was found in the park by a family friend where I worked at the pool. And being the house that takes in the strays... I was just starting high school when he came into my life. Sure he was your standard issue cat, but he carried himself like a prince. That is, until he meowed. Never got that puberty hit. Max was my shadow. Wherever I'd go, he was there. If I took a shower, he would be at the door. He was weirdly fond of the soap smell. Wasn't much of a lap cat, though. He did like to sit on me when I was in bed, usually if the food bowls weren't filled to his liking. Which kind of defeated the purpose of getting me to get up. And if you tried to sit next to him, he would get up... Just to walk around and then come back in the same spot. Like it had to be "his" decision to honor you with his presence. Max lived to the ripe old age of 14. I'm pretty sure he's still here somewhere. I definitely feel him sitting on me sometimes. One more picture to show Mo and Gus' usual dynamic. She also now wears a bell to give him a little chance.
July 21, 2026 at 7:31 PM
maelstromtear.bsky.social
Alright, I'm tapping out. I managed to do the FATE's while also doodlin'! Thanks @patstaresat.bsky.social , Hina and Ecto for the party for Occult Crescent stuff! Still missing a few demiatma... #patstaresart #ectoart #hinart
Ecto shows off their new Viera style that look a lot like Patron... But with a lot less clothing. Meanwhile, Hina's struggling for demiatma. Me too! At least she got hers in the end. I'm still working on it. Speaking of, I thought we were still going until suddenly Pat left and so did EVERYBODY else. I got stuck in a solo CE! Technically I survived, but I didn't get anything out of it. Alas. Bonus photo. Chllin' with Ecto!
July 21, 2026 at 5:31 AM
maelstromtear.bsky.social
Pretty sure I stacked up next to @solidus113.bsky.social during a Occult Crescent fight upon realizing everybody else was on the other side of the arena. You know you're screwed when you're not in the big blob. Still fun! Would've been more fun if I got ANY demiatma in 2 hours...
Mags Riese stands next to Solus while the rest of the group is very far away. "Well, crap." says Mags, who knows they're about to be in a world of hurt. Thankfully for her, she's a dumb tank in this instance and can take a bunch of stupid damage! Solus was less fortunate.
July 17, 2026 at 4:58 AM
maelstromtear.bsky.social
Had a spectacularly awful roll right at the end of a Monster of the Week session, so it only seemed right to make this. #motw #ttrpg
July 16, 2026 at 8:58 PM
maelstromtear.bsky.social
On this episode of Get into FFXIV, @wooliewoolz.bsky.social busts a move. @patstaresat.bsky.social is also there! One pose of the Jojo dance was hard enough... Leave it to someone better to do the rest. #woolievsart #patstaresart

And a bonus panel showing the... Dichotomy of each channel's chat.
Patron, Jo Guns and a useless SAM do a jig for the sylphs. They don't seem impressed. Look, I only used my character because it needed three people to look good and Mags is fun to draw. I wasn't even there in the deer crowd! Bonus panel. What gas leak is going on in Pat's chat? Nice trogdor shirt, though.
July 16, 2026 at 12:20 AM
maelstromtear.bsky.social
Looking forward to the next Reggarth saga with @wooliewoolz.bsky.social , pitfalls and all.

(production note: this was supposed to be just the first picture and a dumb gif, but I'm not allowed to mix media so might as well go all the way!) #woolievsart
July 10, 2026 at 7:13 PM
maelstromtear.bsky.social
On this episode of FFXIV, @wooliewoolz.bsky.social and... Huh? That's @patstaresat.bsky.social ? Not quite what I remember... #patstaresart #woolievsart
Jo Guns looks confused at Patron. "Something seems different..." She muses aloud. "Yeah, I got a new hat." Patron explains, pointing to it. I'm sure that's all that's going on.
July 10, 2026 at 12:08 AM