Previously On ASK STUDIOCULT...

  Image Credit: "Wrynn The Bookwyrm" by Robert Crescenzio via DeviantArt

So you've decided to seek the ancient scrolls of the ASK STUDIOCULT Archive... 

Come close, gather your strength (and reading glasses), and prepare to peruse the entirety of our trinket filled tales:

CHAPTER ONE

Dear STUDIOCULT,

For the past five years I have been completing my apprenticeship to become a Great Wizard and am still unsure if I’m going down the right path. My grades are great, I just feel like I’ve been so busy studying magic that I don’t really feel it at all when I practice. I know that after I graduate I’m expected to further my studies at the Royal Academy, but I think I need some time off to explore before I settle into another magically rigorous environment. My mentor says I’d be letting my whims get the best of me if I don’t enroll straightaway, but I can’t help but feel like there could be something else out there for me in the meantime. Should I follow my head or my heart?

-Astrea, via Interdimensional Crystal

Dear Astrea,

Congratulations on all your hard work — you should be very proud of yourself already! This is a major life change to contemplate and while nobody can make this decision for you, the Studio will always be in favor of following your heart. Should you choose to do so, we wish you safe and happy travels (and would love to send you a few pieces to carry with you on your journey)!

Sincerely,

STUDIOCULT

Dear STUDIOCULT,

I was hoping you could help this humble forest fairy out with a conundrum. During the last full moon, a powerful sorceress moved into the vacant bog at the edge of the forest, and rumor has it they haven’t had any visitors yet. I’ve only caught glimpses of them from afar, and I really admire their unique sense of celestial style. I’d like to introduce myself and perhaps bring the perfect housewarming gift. What’s the best way to make them feel welcome?

P.S 

They live in the middle of the bog and I’ll have to carry the gift while I fly over, so something lightweight would be great!

-Felixe, via Butterfly

Dear Felixe,

A new neighbor sounds exciting! This is a great opportunity to make a new friend and offer support to someone who might not know how to go about asking for it after moving to a new place. Something homemade is both handy and heartfelt — perhaps a pastry or bouquet of freshly picked flowers will be just the thing to accompany a gift that lets them know you see and appreciate their super cool personal style. Might we suggest a pair of earrings from our Celestial Collection? Hope you have fun, be yourself, and hit it off with your new neighbor! 

P.S 

Our Pierced Moon Earring comes in a mini size which will make for easy travel.

Sincerely,

STUDIOCULT 

Dear STUDIOCULT,

My dragon Excidior and I have just returned from a perilous quest to find that significant rainfall has flooded his favorite cave and damaged his trove of treasures. A majority of his horde has been completely tarnished, and while I’ve tried all I can do to raise his spirits, my dear companion has been inconsolable for days. Is there anything you suggest I try to bring his spark back?

-Doloria, via Knight Mail

Dear Doloria,

Congratulations on the safe return from your quest and deepest condolences on the tragic fate of Excidior’s horde. He is certainly lucky to have someone who cares for him as much as you do! While what has been lost can’t be regained, perhaps he would be interested in rebuilding his horde with a few new, daring trinkets that we guarantee will withstand any inclement weather you might encounter in the future such as our Flame Earrings. Better yet, all our jewelry comes in both gold and silver, and is tarnish free. We hope you both will find something to enjoy for all your many adventures to come!

Sincerely,

STUDIOCULT

Dear STUDIOCULT,

Village Fool here. I fear I have fallen head over heels for a beautiful brooding stranger that has recently begun frequenting our local tavern. Every night he orders the same drink, sits in the same dark corner, and keeps to himself. I’ve asked around and it seems nobody has gotten a word out of him whatsoever (or so much as seen him during the daytime). Based on his fancy clothing, I think he might be some sort of royalty. Last night I was telling jokes in the middle of my juggling act and purposefully dropped one of my clubs on his table… and he smirked! I’d do anything to see those curiously sharp teeth of his again. How do I make my next move without making a fool out of myself?

-Anonymous Fool, via Raven

Dear Anonymous Fool,

How mysterious! It’s hard to tell exactly what your crush might be going through, however it seems he might have a lot on his mind. He also could be shy, and in need of a bit more time to open up to strangers. It’s best to prioritize his comfort by not being overly curious off the bat — you don’t want him to feel overwhelmed or interrogated. Instead, try formally introducing yourself and casually asking about what you do know about him (his favorite drink or his regal style). If he seems comfortable, ask if he’d mind if you join him at his table. Regardless of his answer, respect his wishes and be your usual magnetic self. We wish you the best of luck!

P.S

It may be in your best interest to save asking about matters such as his age, occupation, or fangs for later.

Sincerely,

STUDIOCULT

SECTION BREAK (AUDIENCE ASKS)

Hello STUDIOCULT,

My name is Bethany, and I am a swarm of 457 bees with a collective consciousness who are looking to spice up our look for the coming winter! We have a bit of a yellow- gold hue, so we're looking for something with a touch of silver to make us stand out. Any recommendation? Our budget is unlimited, as we have recently discovered hedging funds, and are now quite wealthy.

Thank you kindly,

Bethany

Dear Bethany,

How wonderful to hear from you! In regards to your search for something spectacular and silver, you’re in luck. While we have many options that fit this particular bill, our strongest recommendation is our stunning Trap Ring (the Cubic Zirconia jewel packs a real polychromatic punch when it catches the light). Since you’re a sizable swarm of equally sizable means, pairing your trusty Trap Ring with its complement catching companion the Oversized Stud Earring (available in silver and gold) is a MUST! Last but certainly not least, we think our New Folder Ring could be a buzzworthy mixed metal masterpiece that’ll compliment the collective and bring just the right spice to your look.

Best,

STUDIOCULT

ohhhh stu of awesomeness,

I have been on a journey of accepting my inner cRiNgE wiZRaD lEvEl 4 and I have reach a point of reflection which I need your guidance on: trINkets! I bring the usual tamagotchi, cool belt from a sick wizard toad, and O N I O N ring but is that enough for lEvEl 5? What awesome treasure from the mysterious merchant STUDIOCULT should I acquire to secure my spot in the lEvEl 5 cLaSS of wiZaRd cRiNge?

signed

lEvEl 4 wIzArd mIcH (Wizard 101 Tag: xXnoreplyXx)

Dear wIzArd mIcH,

We’re so glad your journey of acceptance and subsequent reflection has brought you to us (trINkets are our speciality!) As far as your valiant quest is concerned, the S Thing Earring is just the curio of CRiNge to take you (and your lobes) to the next level! This inaugural earring is a tried and true STUDIOCULT staple for a reason, and we can’t wait for a whimsical wizard such as yourself to debut this dangly delight! 

Best,

STUDIOCULT

Hello Master STUDIOCULT!

I am a NPC side character named Wyrm that will later become your friend after you talk to me enough! My orange locks and majestic mossy handmade outfit are always prim and proper. I am a traveling merchant and want to sell my potions and other items! How can I assist you on your travels?

✧˖° WYRM ⊹ ࣪ ˖

X. Potions

Y. Weapons

A. Accessories (make your own accessories for your character, could be jewelry that is equipped with powers!)

B. Turn away

Hello there WYRM,

Welcome to the Studio!

Selection: X (Potions)

As it turns out, we’re looking for the perfect potion pairing for some of our bestsellers. Perhaps you could provide a phenomenal philter to waltz with our Heart Throb Ring? We’re also seeking a little something that’ll really make our MP3ndant sing. And if it wouldn’t be too much trouble, some totally tubular tonics to keep it cool in the pool with our Skinny Dip Ring would be terrific!

Your friend,

STUDIOCULT

P.S

Might we recommend a majestic merchant such as yourself a piece from our full line of Carabiner Earrings? We think they would be a wonderful way to carry some of your whimsical wares!

CHAPTER TWO

Dear STUDIOCULT,

I’ve fallen for a Fool. I don’t say this to be cruel, as that is, quite literally, his profession. For some months now I have been frequenting the tavern where he performs his nightly jests and I fear I have become the biggest one of all. You see, he’s a human, and I myself am in an… immortal sort of way, if you catch my meaning. Despite confiding in him regarding this matter and warning him to keep his distance (for both our sakes), he seems immune to my valiant efforts to push him away and insists on taking me out on the town. For reasons beyond me (that ridiculous grin of his, most likely) I acquiesced, and am now in the predicament of choosing a favorable gift to present him before the outing. He is brash, obnoxious, vain, and infatuated with loudness (whether that be his infuriatingly melodious voice or the colors and patterns of his clothes). Is there anything you can recommend that would please someone of his confounding disposition? 

Before we met, I used to yearn for sunlight–now I feel its warmth each time I look into his eyes.

–Valentine, via bat cauldron 

Hi Valentine,

It seems you have quite the crush! Opposites attract, as the old saying goes. It seems your sweetheart/jester is a maximalist through and through–lucky you! We have just the thing that’ll make his heart sing: the one and only Onion Ring! While the warmth of the ring in gold will compliment his sunny style, the pun will certainly appeal to his robust sense of humor. Remember to have fun, be yourself, and enjoy each other’s company to the fullest. We’re rooting for you!

Best,

STUDIOCULT

Salutations STUDIOCULT,

I am the Great Dragon Excidior, and I find myself  in even greater need of your guidance regarding a conundrum I seem to be in the midst of. My rider and most trusted companion, the brave and honorable Knight Doloria, has taken a strong liking to Astrea, a traveling Wizard’s Apprentice. In a very short amount of time they have become inseparable, which you can imagine is quite the adjustment to our usual dynamic with just the two of us. In our last gathering, I made my intense dislike of this adjustment plain (perhaps too plain) and inadvertently caused a rift between Doloria and her new lover. Utterly distraught, she has accused me of jealousy and captious behavior most foul. It pains me to see her so, and after some reflection I wish to make amends with Astrea posthaste. I believe a gift to punctuate my sincerity is not only necessary, but of the utmost importance. Instead of bestowing something from my (very large) existing horde, I would like to give something truly stellar. What do you recommend?

-Excidior, via self

Greetings Excidior,

Stellar might as well be our middle name! While we have an entire Celestial Collection to choose from, our singular recommendation would be the Shooting Star Earrings. We think they’d pair great with a heart to heart, and hope things between the three of you will be smooth sailing from there on out. It takes guts and real maturity to say you’re sorry, and we commend you for your commitment to making amends with your beloved rider and their partner!

Best,

STUDIOCULT

Hi STUDIOCULT!

I’m hoping your wisdom and whimsy may come in handy. I moved to a new neighborhood a few months ago and initially had trouble making friends until a very special fairy began making weekly trips to my side of the bog. They always bring me beautiful trinkets from your shop and my collection has steadily grown in addition to my feelings for them. I’ve been working up the nerve to ask them if they’d like to be more than friends, and am in need of a beautiful treasure to offer them when I do. Do you have anything that would suit an occasion such as this? I hope to make them feel as warm and special as they make me.

-Mel, via Familiar (Bullfrog)

Dear Mel,

What a momentous occasion! We have two items that might strike your fancy for such a proposal: the Mini Heart Carabiner Earring and the Heart Throb Ring. The former is perfect for a more casual vibe with the added functionality bonus of the carabiner that they might find helpful during their cross-bog trips to your place. We recommend the latter for a bolder (yet still lightweight) statement. Thank you for thinking of us to help bring what’s on your heart and mind to fruition, and best of luck to you both!

Sincerely,

STUDIOCULT

Congratulations, admirable Adventurers — you're all caught up! Want to join in on this jewelry filled drama?

Submit your queries and conundrums for our next ASK STUDIOCULT installment here!