iamespecter

[iamespecter]

Welp, it's finally happened. PC finally died, the motherboard fried. Thank you for the past 3 years of allowing me to draw digitally, you reliable hunk of metal. I wish you weren't sold to me broken and full of viruses in the first place, but we still managed through the odds nonetheless.

I'll miss this thing, no matter how much of a pain in the ass it was most of the time. 🥹🥲

Now to the problem of 'how will I do commissions now'....

[iamespecter]

Anyways doodled a few silly things yesterday while I was out picking up my grandma from the airport (the really small doodles of Caine and Pomni are from my little brother)

Gotta have a Glamrock Chica there for good luck bless her

[iamespecter]

I... keep having dreams of a green fishmarket, and a lone convenience store just a couple of meters away from it, by the road. The convenience store offered a lot of activities just to take care of parents's children like a daycare would.

I remember the cashier, although unrecognizable, was loved by the children. He was eccentric, offered many activities like arts and crafts. I remember bringing my siblings and being so happy that they could even draw, and show it to the cashier, and the cashier would respond with so much praise.

The dream has become... haunting, as it is comforting.

...because I used to live near by a fishmarket, and a convenience store by the road. Specifically, during the time I was facing abuse from my father. The convenience store was my escape from him.

When he was beating up my mother, I would go to the convenience store and buy a candy so I can't hear my mother's pained screams. When he threatens my siblings, I would go to the convenience store to buy a biscuit to eat as comfort food. When he belittled, verbally abused me and my dreams and made me rip my artworks, put them in a sack and pour water on them in the middle of the rain, I went to the convenience store and I cried outside of it just to be away from him.

I'm pretty certain that this is my subconscious self both trying to forget and remember. I hate that I remember.

And I hate how I'm so vulnerable to this that I'm tearing up as I recall these memories.

[iamespecter]

I just remembered that I'm no longer keeping it a secret that the Patriarch is Abel in my Harlequin AU which means I can actually draw my own version of Abel in canon TADC

Anyways he's a carnival barker in my own interpretation, and is in charge of the carnival on the circus grounds

I'm kinda surprised no one's had the idea to make Able a Carnival barker to parallel Caine; who's a Circus ringmaster-

[iamespecter]

That's completely reasonable, although a part of me is intrigued at how the Caine and Abel thing would apply to TADC's plot. I think it would make Caine a whole lot more scary if there was an Abel.

Which, in your defense, would be in line as to what the show seems to be going for, what with all the "Any torment I inflict is 100% accidental! Like any good war criminal!" and the "You really wanna find out? The only thing holding Caine back is that he likes us" lines.

And I know Carnival AU, but I'm specifically talking about a one-shot fic where Pomni finds out she's also an AI that's just as advanced as Gummigoo, except she wasn't programmed to be a regular NPC for an adventure; rather, she's programmed to assist the circus members currently inhabiting the circus, in order to make their stay better, even for just the slightest bit. And to do that, her coder gave her a fake human backstory, fake memories of putting on the headset, just like how Gummigoo believes he has a mom.

Gosh, just imagine how that could recontextualize the whole office space where Pomni lost her sanity in. When she stares at the computer.... OH MAN, I CAN SEE THE ANGST. THE WHOLE LOT OF HURT, WITH A DASH OF COMFORT FROM CAINE AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA SHAKING AND CRYING AND BITING AT EVERYTHING GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

They are for each other

[iamespecter]

So as of recent we got robbed for the fourth time, and long story short I have to collect money to fortify our security and locks before the holidays... and we get ransacked again. The sketch comms are still open, and some donations would be definitely appreciated;;;; :')

To the people who've reblogged and sent us donations while we were stuck in a rough spot, I cannot thank you all enough for the assistance you guys provided for us. It's not even an exaggeration when I say you guys are literal lifesavers, and I'll forever be thankful to everyone.

But unfortunately, our struggles do not end here, as we are not only still on the road to recovery, but bills are still coming up and they are coming up FAST. I may need to open sketch comms just to pay off all these payables as we need a huge amount. Like, 600$.

So these are probably gonna be 50$ per full-body character, no backgrounds. I aim to do these sketch comms as fast as possible within my skillset so it's likely this is gonna be finished on the same day you commission me for this. (though forgive me in advance if I am not able to deliver on the same day, I am still sick)

I can draw:

Humans,

Shitposts/meme redraws,

Character designs,

Furries/Anthros,

Robots (no mechas though),

And even nsfw. That means blood, fictional violence and not so family-friendly 18+ stuff.

What I won't do are:

Hateful,

Offensive,

Stereotyping,

And harmful depictions of art regarding race, gender, identity and etc. in any shape or form.

If I do not wish to draw what you ask, please respect my boundaries.

[iamespecter]

Okay, I'll admit I was wrong on saying that it might be just a throwaway line, and I take responsibility for that-

But I still can't see a scenario where the whole "confusing AIs with players" would apply solidly and it seems like it's a line that should be kept in the back of our heads for now. I think we need to let everyone have a piece of their special episode before that line could start to become relevant. We know it's not in relation to Jax anyways.

You make a good point with the C&A, but again; we gotta watch out for red herrings. Clues that you think are clues, might actually lead to nothing but a wild goose chase. I suggest we put it in the back of our heads in the meantime, coupled with the AI line.

And I do have faith in Goose's writing skills; If I wasn't, I wouldn't be theorizing and trying to rack my brains with theories and possible symbolisms with you. I guess the whole 'number 57' just made me reel back a little because I overanalyzed that simple number that's actually meant to be just an inside joke (just take away number 57 from my previous post, and the whole thing still works on theme with the show's premise, at least imo).

I do have to admit, after sleeping on it.... I kinda wanna see a fanfic where Pomni's revealed to be an AI meant to help and relate with humans, to improve their experience within the digital circus. I vividly remember a theory post where the OP thinks that because of the "Last Supper" arrangement of the Pilot's ending, they think that Pomni's gotta do a sacrifice of some sorts that might lead to everyone else escaping, but she's still trapped and I kinda wanna see that explored in a fanfic.

Dunno. I think it would be sweet to see Caine and Pomni bond over being AIs meant to help the humans and maybe even have a blooming friendship (or something more....) teehee teehee :3

They are for each other

[iamespecter]

GOD COULD NOT STOP ME WHEN I MADE THE HARLEQUIN AU, AND I WILL DO THE SAME WITH FAN HEADCANONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They are for each other

[iamespecter]

That is completely fair, however headcanons exist and too bad since it's already there and the stars have aligned for me I'm making it my headcanon

They are for each other

[iamespecter]

I'm sorry, but I'm still not convinced with the whole 'AI Pomni', there's just not enough concrete proof to back that up. I simply think that there is a chance this could just be a parallel between an AI and a human; how their paths are similar, yet so different.

The whole NPC and Players getting mixed up is likely a throwaway line just to show how advanced the circus is. Or even, how advanced AIs like Caine could get, if he tried hard enough like he did with Gummigoo.

But I do agree on the number 57. I think since the number often appears in relation to Pomni, I think she's the much needed addition to the circus that would spark things to get better than they initially were. She's not the "chosen one" by all means; she's just your average joe who's now beginning to extend a helping hand towards others just like they did with her.

A catalyst... sparking the tides of fate and change within a dormant circus, even if unintentional. The very person to embody change, and getting out of the established normalcy as she too, changes from selfishness and hostility, to being open and caring.

... The opposite, yet parallel to Caine in some way, who is the embodiment of staying the same no matter how much he tries to switch things up and keep things active for everyone else; the inability to grow beyond anything he was created for.

EDIT: I forgot to add this, but we have to remember that there is no confirmed Abel, and that we shouldn't be quick to act like he's an actual character. Let us hold ourselves back from thinking about this until further notice, especially because the only proofs we have so far is the C&A logo coupled with the fact the main AI is called Caine.

For all we know, C&A could mean anything.

They are for each other

[iamespecter]

Good theories!

However, I do highly doubt the idea of Pomni being an ai, but you do make a great point; we... don't really know much about Pomni thus far, except from the ones Gooseworx answered. Good at accounting, doesn't like being touched, 25 years old, HATES horror and jumpscares, and bad at cooking (most damning evidence surprisingly, because that kinda implies she solely lives off of instant food, which is kinda on brand with my point below).

Most likely to punch Caine too (lmfao).

Makes me think she was a bit of a recluse especially considering how she initially acted during the Pilot, mostly being paranoid, scared, in denial and even selfish.

Maybe she's forgotten a lot of things about her life as a result of being so closed off? And the circus is unintentionally pushing her to become better?

Now, what about the number 57 that keeps popping up each episodes?

Well, there's two answers, according to google. In religious context, 57 means a guardian angel, or positive changes. Taking a big, bold step that would bring about warmth and happiness. In numerology, it's about being adventurous.

... Which is quite ironic if so.

Your first theory though, about Pomni creating Caine, while interesting, doesn't really seem plausible? Because if she really did create Caine, she would not be acting nervous and paranoid around him. She would be in a more authoritative stance towards him, because apparently, they remember everything except their names. She would know what kind of antics he could come up, even for just the slightest bit. She would understand how the circus works in general, too.

But no, she outright thinks that that AI's out to torture her and intentionally drive her insane, when in the same episode, Caine admits that it's all unintentional (like any good war criminal!!!!).

She's basically clueless in the grand scheme of things, asking about the whole breathing thing, why doesn't her eyes get back onto it's sockets. She never once showed any experience towards coding, and only really understands basic game logic such as glitching props together in order to launch themselves into the atmosphere, after witnessing it and being transported out of bounds but aside from that her brain seems to run on logical problem-solving.

If anything, she could've been just a beta-tester meant to try and find bugs within the game, or a regular gamer.

They are for each other

[iamespecter]

... HOLY SHIT THEY'RE PARALLELING ONE ANOTHER'S BEHAVIORS A LOT MORE THAN I INITIALLY EXPECTED??? WHAT IS GLITCH AND GOOSEWORX TRYING TO TELL US-

I CAN'T BE THE ONLY ONE SEES THEY'RE BEING PARALLELS RN. LIKE, IF WE JUST IGNORE SHOWTIME FOR A SPLIT SECOND AND PUT OUR THINKING HATS ON.

THIS.... THIS CAN'T BE JUST A COINCIDENCE, CAN IT?

What's even more interesting is that they seem to be shifting on the opposite sides of the spectrum; Pomni taking on the positives (beginning to listen to the others and bonding with them), while Caine seems to be shifting towards the negative (listening, but unable to establish bond with the cast).

Both are technically doing the same thing, but with different intents, different tactics, within different settings, getting different reactions, and different results.

... What does this have to do with the theme of the show...?

They are for each other

[iamespecter]

Torrentialchaos is right. You did such a great job.

Gangle never once came across as "annoying" or "offensive", at least in my opinion. I felt so sorry for her so much the entire episode since she put on the mask, that the closing time sequence genuinely scared tf out of me that she would abstract, and I began to audibly say "oh no...." while nervously chuckling.

I don't have knowledge on mania. But the fact that I could sense something was wrong when Gangle continuously started to suggest "normal" things with the slightest change of tone.... And I never once thought she was being "over the top".... I think that's really telling of how phenomenal your voice acting work was.

how did you feel knowing you had to act so crazy for this new episode? Gangle is already my favorite character and the ending with her and Zooble made me love her even more. I love your performance. Honestly, you do such a great job.!

not crazy— manic! i’m really excited to have portrayed something that i experience in my real life, but only after the fact. during recording, it didn’t quite hit me yet that i go through this too, and i was worried about offending people who experience manic episodes by “acting crazy without really understanding it” haha… and then in therapy a little while later, i realized. oops! so i guess i was nervous for no reason

[iamespecter]

Logic VS Determination

CW Suggestive

Admittedly this was a lot funnier in my head, but I still think it's funny

[iamespecter]

Sorry if activity has been real low it is so fucking cold rn you guys I can barely stay warm in my usual spot so I go inside to huddle with my siblings

[iamespecter]

goinkle the gankle the

[iamespecter]

Words just can't really put how angry I am. But it is close to "I want to hit these robbers in their goddamn melon heads with a metal fucking bat with nails on the end".

Just received news that we got robbed FOR THE FOURTH TIME. And this time... there was a force of entry. The robbers destroyed the locks, and stole the tools as well as the karaoke machine.

I SWEAR TO GOD I'LL PUNCH THESE MOTHERFUCKERS WHO'VE BEEN ROBBING US DRY SO GODDAMN FUCKING HARD. I AM SO UNBELIEVABLY AND MONUMENTALLY PISSED. I WANT THESE MOTHERFUCKERS HUNTED DOWN.