I don't think I've actually used this in any of my written fics; yet. I'm using it in this next short fic which is why I thought to share it now.
One of my favorite accessories to give Lord Patrician Havelock Vetinari is a naturally mottled, black Sapient Pearwood cane. The main body of the cane is subtly shaped like the body of a snake (softly carved scale pattern). The topper is interchangeable but I like the idea of a matt-silver skull (death's head) so that it can be a play on the snake the death('s head) adder.
When not in use it likes to curl up loosely draped around his shoulders. It can also flatten out to reduce it's visible bulk. Because of the pattern and stillness, it blends in to be nearly invisible. As long as it hides the cane head behind Havelock's head or maybe it can flatten that out to look more like a snake head too. I haven't thought about that as much.
Havelock has a non-verbal command when he needs to walk by holding his hand out, palm down, and it will slither noiselessly down and make it look like it's just being summoned from his palm down to the ground.
It's theatrical, it's dramatic and most of all; it looks cool as hell! He has definitely used it to either impress or intimidate someone at least once.
Plus added bonus of being available when he needs it but not having the real world problems that most mobility aids have; needing to be fussed with. He doesn't need to make sure this cane is close at hand because it's always close. He doesn't need to think about where to put it when not in use or it taking up space because it can take care of itself. As someone who should consider having something like this, especially during the winter when it becomes even more painful to walk; this would be my ideal option. I'm just too stupid about it stubborn to get one.
If you made it though my penny dreadful worth of text then feel free to use this idea in your fics. I just think it's neat. I have something similar for our dear Commander but his is a truncheon thats shaped a little like a dragon. It's got wings that wrap around the body when not it use. In story I usually have them both made from the same tree so they're connected ^_^.
If anyone is interested I have some more things like this I can share.
Oh Right!
I've forgotten to share my picture of the Best Robin.
Jarro, The Starro clone of Batman and Starro the Conquerer. Its some philosophical musing on the nature of Nurture vs Nature, or some stuff like that, but we get a terrifying silly little guy from it.
Anyhow love Jarro.
This is my version of him for my AU Earth 1515. Jarro is capable of of fighting on his own terms with his own body. I'd perhaps say I'd prefer my chances against him in the android than I'd have against him in his own body. I'd loose either way because I'm a lousy combatant. At least when he's in his android body he's not going to jump on my face and mind control me.
Anyways Jarro of earth 1515 was given an android body as a way to help him emote and relate better to people. Because as a Starro he'd have some difficulty with that.
The body makes use of not only earth technology but also Martian Bio-Tech that Jarro has an easier time controlling and manipulating compared to the inorganic technology parts.
When not using the android for Robin purposes he uses his natural shapeshifting abilities integrated with the Martian Bio-tech to manipulate the appearance of the hair and body. He uses this to a great effect as Robin: retroactively confirming the theory that Robin was a shapeshifting Meta from the citizens of gotham. He'll sometimes even mimic specific versions of robin that his siblings have done.
The android is also great to help him stay in a more comfortable environment for him. That way he doesn't need to spend 22 hours or so in his terrarium in the Batcave. This way he can move around. Without having to rely on someone carrying him around in a jar. So its a very off mobility aid.
Eventually He'll grow too big for the android to support him but that will take decades.
Full Stop though, I got the inspiration for this from some post I saw on pintrest of an antropomorsized Jarro, but it was uncredited, so thanks for the inspiration.
Now I wanna discuss disability in fantasy media. I do understand said people in the fantasy world having disability due to various reasons (cost, the ability to access higher forms of healing magic or whatever.) But why would a character have that disability when said reasons are not applicable? Same goes for scars too. It has been always nagging about that. Why would leave with scars if the said healing magic is like, straight up heals you perfectly?
I dunno. I just wanted to talk about it because there's so much I seen floating around in the Net (I know, I should touch grass or something) saying that a character doesn't have to choose together their disability removes if they have the opportunity with not much of a drawback. I do respect the idea, to each person's opinion their own, and their own body. But disability don't just define someone as a person. Yes, it impacts a large portion of life, but a person isn't nothing without said disability. I'm just wondering why, in curiosity stand point.
