#&& �� [ . . . ] hound on a hunt ⠀⸻ profiles .

[intoloopin-archive]

LOOPIN, THE GROUP.

First announced as 'Boy Of The Week Project' in late 2016, promised to eventually become an extension of Blockberry Creative's LOONA mostly housed under New Wave Music, BBC's novice partner company, LOOPiN was for a long time a myth: with no official records of the reported 24 trainees set to compete on 'Boy Of The Week', a mix of korean and international young men and teenagers, it's impossible to know how and when exactly LOOPiN came to be. Off the pre-pre-debut official recruiting, only seven met debut – them being Beomseok, Taesong, Minwoo, Seungsoo, Haruki, Dylan (with a one year delay compared to all others) and Haegon. Remaining members O.z, Hanjae and J.J joined the final lineup under undisclosed circumstances.

Once officially formed, LOOPiN had an almost siamese start as their sister group: debuting two to three members, one in every week of the month starting from mid 2018, then conjoining them under a unit until all 10 members had been formerly introduced to the public, officially becoming LOOPiN on August 2019.

As LOONA had The Loonaverse, LOOPiN's cosmic horror, highly nonlinear concept, named as The Looploore, stayed heavily with them up until New Wave Music's split with Blockberry Creative and complete buyout of their exclusive contracts in October 2022. Beomseok was the only original member that refused to renew and left the group, as well as celebrity life, on March 2023, quickly being replaced by Gyujin.

Former leader and group producer Minwoo left the group and the music industry in April 2024, midway through New Wave Music's sudden bankrupcy scandal and the settling of the members individual contract signing with Rare Rhythm. LOOPiN will move on as a 9 piece act under the label.

Known for being a highly self produced act with all members deeply involved in the creation of the group's visual, musical and storytelling aspects, as well as for having the most unlucky and polemic starts to almost every year, LOOPiN keeps on kicking high and ranking as one of the most prolific and eye catching groups in K-Pop now – a merit that seems to be far from being taken away from them anytime soon.

LOOPiN, THE MEMBERS.

PARK TAESONG.

With a history of being mocked for his kindness and taunted for his need to please, Park Taesong has been from day one the weakling in the eyes of every single one of his teammates, and he's been fighting a never ending war to not let them mold him into something he's not – into one of them. Even when his high tendency to anxiously spiral and his chronic fear of his own frail health get temporarily in the way, Taesong is always choosing to try to stay calm, stay sane, stay by his own side – but he still might prefer to give up on himself before he gives up on LOOPiN.

He's gentle, cowardly, optimistic, controling.

GIVEN NAME: Park Taesong. OTHER ALIASES: Taeng (nickname). BIRTHDATE: 02.15.97. PROFESSION: Idol. GROUP POSITIONS: main vocalist, leader (2019 - early 2022). ETHNICITY: Korean. NATIONALITY: South Korean. FACE CLAIM: Lee Minhyuk.

BANG MINWOO.

Bang Minwoo believes he's known hunger more intimately than anyone else around him, and for that, he is brutal. With a relationship with music that borders on obsession, he's given up body and soul for his art and will spare nothing to keep LOOPiN going – or so he wants the world to believe. Truth is, there is a caring, deeply empathic nature in Minwoo that he's been trying to ignore for years, and it's dormant now, but not gone. Ever since he began being confronted by past actions and his own secret history, Minwoo hasn't been able to sit with himself at peace and sleep.

He's dedicated, irritable, reliable, obsessive.

GIVEN NAME: Bang Minwoo. OTHER ALIASES: Noah Bang (english name). BIRTHDATE: 07.08.97. PROFESSION: Idol-songwriter (retired), music producer (retired), ??? (temporary). FORMER GROUP POSITIONS: leader (early 2022 - early 2024), main rapper, vocalist, dancer, group producer. ETHNICITY: Korean. NATIONALITY: South Korean (Guryong natural). FACE CLAIM: Lee Changyoon.

NA SEUNGSOO.

Na Seungsoo has always marched to the beat of his own drum, in a rhythm that hardly makes sense to anyone else. The never serious, untalented with academics youngest child of a lineage of successful doctors, Seungsoo took a gamble with the entertainment industry and believes himself to have won big. But where his stage act is a success, his interpersonal relationships suffer – quick to love and even quicker to hate, practically a stranger to forgiveness of even the smallest off offences, Seungsoo can't help but hurt everyone he tries to guide to what he considers to be safety.

He's romantic, intrusive, enthusiastic, impulsive.

GIVEN NAME: Na Seungsoo. OTHER ALIASES: Sonny Na (english name). BIRTHDATE: 10.19.97. PROFESSION: Idol, music producer, choreographer. GROUP POSITIONS: lead vocalist, lead dancer, group producer. ETHNICITY: Korean. NATIONALITY: South Korean (Busan natural). FACE CLAIM: Kwak Dongyeon.

FUKUNAGA HARUKI.

Coming from one of Japan's longest artistic driven families, a direct descendant of a long line of dancers, painters and classic musicians, Fukunaga Haruki was always expected to conquer the world. Now standing as a KArts drop out with an addition to highs and lows first, successful Idol second, Haruki can't see himself as anything but a projectile that failed on the launch path. He might be LOOPiN's most well known face, but that hasn't come without a price – as the keeper of secrets that can bring his entire company to ruin, he has to be compensated. But after years of pretending, his luck seems to have run out and the silent act has grown tired.

He's passionate, evasive, resourceful, mercurial.

GIVEN NAME: Fukunaga Haruki. BIRTHDATE: 09.22.98. PROFESSION: Idol, dancer, model. GROUP POSITIONS: main dancer, vocalist, visual, face of the group. ETHNICITY: Japanese. NATIONALITY: Japanese. FACE CLAIM: Takahashi Fumiya.

WOO GYUJIN.

A once commercial kid on the rise, Woo Gyujin vanished from the spotlight in his tween years and came back with a brand new face, brand new body and a fully developed voice, an adult with a solid base built over the buried skeletons that were once in his closet. His inherited need for a long, quiet life of stability keeps crashing with his want to be famous and seen. Now integrated into a group filled with chaos addicts and missing pieces, mess might crawl its way into his new life and doom Gyujin once again if he doesn't do something to help close the open wounds of his bandmates.

He's adaptable, incitive, assertive, unstable.

GIVEN NAME: Woo Gyujin. BIRTHDATE: 11.01.98. PROFESSION: Idol, actor (formerly). GROUP POSITIONS: main vocalist, songwriter. ETHNICITY: Korean. NATIONALITY: South Korean. FACE CLAIM: Lee Jongwon.

DYLAN HWANG / HWANG CHIHOON.

An only child born from a dreamy teenage affair in South Korea, Dylan Hwang was raised by his single mother and his grandparents in Santa Monica, California, unknowing of the identity of his father, unknowing of what to do with himself. Picking up his mom's long lost dream of living trought music, Chihoon started auditioning to entertainment companies in hopes to find some sort of enlightenment in fame, got a break of spirit instead – it seems that as long as he's got an eye open, he'll keep on being a quiet witness and attender of the worst the world has to offer.

He's selfless, repressed, attentive, paranoid.

GIVEN NAME: Hwang Chihoon. OTHER ALIASES: Dylan Hwang (english name). BIRTHDATE: 03.17.99. PROFESSION: Idol, singer-songwriter. GROUP POSITIONS: lead vocalist, songwriter, concept co-director (2023-). ETHNICITY: Korean. NATIONALITY: Korean-American. FACE CLAIM: Choi Taeyang.

WU ZHIMING / OH JIMIN.

Born chinese, raised with an iron fist in Seoul, O.z has felt essentially split from a young age. Absorbing a stoicism from his executive father he still can't let go off, Zhiming can only be unapologetically himself trough his genre defying, highly unpopular music. He became an Idol out of spite, set to hate it, but found a new side of himself trought his stage persona and the A list world he's set in – one that the black and white sense of morality he's cultivated trought life makes O.z an odd man out on. It seems Zhiming doesn't ever get the comfort of being able to pick the good side of fame.

He's truthful, blunt, confident, contrarian.

GIVEN NAME: Wu Zhiming. OTHER ALIASES: O.z (stage name); Oh Jimin (korean name). BIRTHDATE: 08.03.99. PROFESSIONS: Idol, DJ, music producer. GROUP POSITIONS: main rapper, group producer. ETHNICITY: Chinese. NATIONALITY: South Korean. FACE CLAIM: Zhang Linghe.

LEE HANJAE.

An extremely quiet child and an even more dismissible teenager, Lee Hanjae wouldn't dare to dream of the spotlight until it came offered to him in a once in a life opportunity. With an ease to art in it's many shapes budded for years while being the target of ill driven mismanagement, Hanjae is the new face being pushed, and to his own bewilderment, the public embraces him as an actor in a way that's foreign. Thriving on a new career path while his members seen close to reaching rock bottom, Hanjae can't make a single move – he's too afraid of what he might do if he ever let's himself reach for what he wants.

He's thoughtful, insecure, reserved, selfish.

GIVEN NAME: Lee Hanjae. BIRTHDATE: 04.02.00. PROFESSION: Idol, choreographer, actor. GROUP POSITIONS: main dancer, lead rapper. ETHNICITY: Korean. NATIONALITY: South Korean (Incheon natural). FACE CLAIM: Oh Seongmin.

XU JIAHANG.

The youngest son of a blockbuster movie director and Miss Chinese International 1989, J.J had fame promised to him as a birthright. Spoiled rotten in his early years, the world took no time beating him off his pedestal while making him look cruelty deep in the eyes once he became a teenager, making Jiahang develop a need to hide every inch of himself, turn into a doll to keep – no more. Fully aware of his worth once again, he wants in back into the spotlight and the fun of adoration, and there's something not quite right about his ambition – it's a factor of deep change. But each step up the ladder only enhances the promise of a nasty fall.

He's loyal, cunning, understanding, overachiever.

GIVEN NAME: Xu Jiahang. OTHER ALIASES: J.J (stage name); Jason Xu (english name); Jay (nickname). BIRTHDATE: 12.10.00. PROFESSION: Idol, model. GROUP POSITIONS: sub rapper, sub vocalist, visual. ETHNICITY: Chinese. NATIONALITY: Chinese (Beijing natural, Hong Kong and Manila adapt). FACE CLAIM: Xue Bayi / Ling Chao.

KIM HAEGON.

Kim Haegon is a time bomb shaped kid trapped inside the body of not quite enough famous, just turned legal adult. Terrified of abandonment even if it's a feeling too well known, Haegon attracts and keeps cruel company, all to avoid being alone with himself. Recently and forcedly divorced off all the relationships that kept him grounded to his childlike ways, Haegon wants maturity, and he wants it now – to be good in someone's eye, he's ready to beg and kill. The road to emotional recovery is a long one, and Haegon doesn't yet know how far his feet alone can take him.

He's intuitive, dependent, devoted, desperate.

GIVEN NAME: Kim Haegon. BIRTHDATE: 03.22.01. PROFESSION: Idol. POSITIONS: vocalist, lead dancer. ETHNICITY: Korean. NATIONALITY: South Korean (Seoul natural.) FACE CLAIM: Park Jihoon.

[daydreamingqueen1]

Puppy eyes

Pairing: Spencer Reid x BAU! Reader (can be seen as platonic too)

Warnings: none. fluff, spencer being a bit of a germaphobe, no y/n, pretty sure is gn reader too

Summary: Spencer Reid vs puppy, need I say more

Word count: 1.3k

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It's the best day ever.

Your day had started pretty normal to be honest, you would even say it was kind of shitty since you had missed the subway you usually took for your daily commute to the BAU.

But, as wiser people say: Everything happens for a reason.

Because as you are making your way to work, your ears catch the soft sound of a creature whimpering. Trying to find the source, you give a couple tentative steps with your head turning from left to right like you are a hunting hound.

Ironically, behind the decorative bushes that surround the FBI building entrance, you find the origin of the sound.

It's not a hound but it's close enough. It's a puppy.

A beautiful, chocolate spotted puppy.

"Oh my god, sweetie, come here!" you gush automatically, your hand extending gently to reach for the animal currently crying between the bushes and the wall.

The adorable puppy looks up at you a bit hesitant at first, big brown eyes meeting yours. It gives a sniff to the air, checking the scent of your palm from afar, you almost squeal from how cute it looks.

Then it wags its tail.

You make kissy noises to coax him closer, your voice getting two tones higher, "Come here puppy!"

It works because soon enough it walks out of its hiding spot and nuzzles into your palm eagerly, tail wagging from side to side.

You practically lunge to grab the poor thing, "Look at you! You are so cute!"

The puppy doesn't seem to mind your cuteness aggression though, its fluffy body melting on your arms when you scratch behind its long ears, "You're coming home with me."

Best day ever.

But you can't just ignore your responsibilities and walk back home to stay with it, and it wouldn't be sensible to leave such a young puppy alone in your apartment either.

So you do the next most reasonable thing.

Your smile almost takes up your whole face when you walk out of the elevator with the puppy in your arms.

Penelope spots you first, immediately dropping the files on her hands on a random desk to come rushing to you, "Oh my god! Oh my god! It's that a puppy my eyes are seeing?!"

You giggle, pretty much vibrating with joy at this point, "Yes, isn't it the cutest thing ever?"

"Aww, my heart can't deal with this!" she cries, hands fanning herself dramatically.

"Where did you get it?" Prentiss chirps in, hers and almost every other head in the bullpen looking up from their desk to look at you. Well, at the puppy.

You keep walking into the office with Garcia looming all over you, "It was crying outside. This little thing was all alone in the bushes."

A hoard of agents are suddenly surrounding you, eager to get a closer look.

"You'll have to look if it belongs to someone," Morgan says, which makes you instantly pout.

"It doesn't have a collar, idiot," Emily argues quickly, "Such a profiler you are."

"I wanna keep it," you smile brightly, "I think it's a boy."

You turn the puppy onto it's back.

"Yep, definitely a boy," Morgan chuckles, he attempts to pet its head but the creature recoils in your arms, clearly overwhelmed at the amount of people.

Noticing the puppy is a bit scared, you pull back from the crowd, only then you notice a certain agent who remains seated on his desk.

“Don't you want to see it, Spencer?” you ask eagerly.

He shakes his head, his body leaning away slightly, “I can see it from right here, don't worry.”

“Oh, come on Reid, don't tell me you are afraid of dogs,” Derek never loses a chance to tease him.

Spencer gives him a flat look, “I'm not scared of dogs, I’m just aware of the amount of diseases they can transmit to humans.”

You tsk your tongue. “But he's so cute, and it doesn't look like it has rabies or anything,” you look down at the dog while approaching his desk, talking directly at it with a baby voice, “Tell me, do you have rabies, little puppy?”

It just stares blankly at you. Proof enough. “See?”

Spencer, ever the statistics expert, begins his rant, “Well, actually, rabies is not the most common disease dogs can carry, nor the only one. Illnesses that pass between animals and humans are known as zoonotic diseases and a 2007 study based in Finland shows that noroviruses are one of the leading causes of diarrheal diseases among people of all age groups and that these can survive in dogs and be passed along to– Please don't get that thing any closer.”

You chuckle at the panic look Spencer gives you when you reach his side. Truthfully, you aren't going to make him touch the puppy if he's uncomfortable with it, but a little bit of teasing is at the order of the day, “Oh, really? Come on, holding it for a second won't kill you.”

You pull the puppy up next to your face and give him your best puppy eyes, mimicking talking as the puppy, “Please? Am I not cute enough to pet?”

Spencer gives you a long look, “Yes, very cute.”

Forcing down your blush, you extend the puppy to him, “Then pet it.”

He presses his lips in a line, his hands coming up defensively as he rolls backwards on his office chair, “I think I'll pass.”

You chuckle and are about to back off when the puppy squirms in your arms, leaping out from your hands.

The scene unfolds in front of your eyes almost in slow motion. You watch how the pup flies in the air, its short body extended as a superhero.

Spencer catches it, thank god.

“Oh, no,” he squeaks when he realizes what he's done, holding the puppy as if it were about to explode, panickedly starting to name every possible disease, “Pasteurella, Salmonella, Brucella, Yersinia enterocolitica, Leptospira–”

His alarmed ramble gets interrupted by the enthusiastic puppy licking up his cheek.

You freeze for a moment, expecting him to die from a heart attack.

Spencer giggles.

“It's giving me kisses,” his face scrunches up adorably at the onslaught of affection, “It tickles, buddy.”

You can't help the relieved laugh that escapes your lips, “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, yeah, I'm going to have to wash my face with antibacterial soap though,” he chuckles as he puts the puppy down on his lap, away from further kisses.

Oh, and you've just fucked up so bad because your heart gets squeezed inside your chest at the endering sight of Spencer and the puppy staring at each other.

“You are right, he's cute,” Spencer turns to smile at you, the animal's tail wagging incessantly.

You fucked up good.

“Aww, look at you two,” Penelope says excitedly, “It even looks like you, Reid!”

Your gaze shifts back and forth from your coworker to the creature on his lap. Penelope has a point, you can kind of see the resemblance. The puppy has long ears with soft, brown curls covering them that look similar to Spencer's long hair. The cute, hazel puppy dog eyes go without saying.

Morgan snorts, “Babygirl, you are right, it kind of looks like the kid.”

You pick up the puppy and smile, “Seems like I got myself my own mini Doctor Reid,”

Spencer is about to say something back when Hotch’s office opens, both him and Rossi entering the bullpen.

“Agent, please tell me that's not a dog you have there.” Hotch gives you a stern look.

“It is not, sir,” you answer, smiling apologetically and holding the puppy closer against your chest.

He sighs, shaking his head. “Everyone to the meeting room, we've got a case.”

The puppy lets out a tiny bark, and you make your way to the meeting room before Hotch can tell you anything else.

Spencer sits next to you on the round table and whispers against your ear as everyone is filling in, “I'll help you take care of little Doc here if you decide to keep him.”

Not even the gruesome details of the case are enough to sour your mood.

Best day ever.

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yep, this was inspired by all of the MGG pictures with puppies. I am weak.

leave me a prompt if you want!

reblogs and comments are appreciated <3

hope ya liked it, byebye

My masterlist

[drinkyourvillainjuice]

In-character Q&A - Vantage!

(she's still here for another week or so for patreon members to submit questions!)

1.) How did you get your powers? 

That's a gutsy question. I suppose I'll humour you.

In my early teens, my apartment block caught fire and my mom got trapped. I was shouting and screaming from the far side of a wall of flames and... I don't know. Everything just seemed to click at once.

I--it didn't go perfectly. I didn't understand how the simulations worked or how to recalculate on the fly. Mom had health complications from smoke inhalation and died younger than she should have.

I try not to dwell on it.

2.) What's the most interesting way you've used your powers?

If you believe Arcade, to cheat at video games. laughs

I once simulated hostage situation so effectively that the mask just turned themself in immediately. That was interesting because I had a psychological profile to work with. Having access to that much information is incredible.

3.) Do you actively hunt villains like the Altruists or do you just show up when they start to actually do crimes? 

That's complicated. It's usually a bad idea to go after villains in their secret identities, if they have them. That just escalates on both ends. However, if we know an enemy hideout, we'll hit it whether or not they're actively doing crime at that moment. It's a base of operations. The Businessmen are a wrinkle to that; they're too clever to leave evidence of wrongdoing at Masquerade, so we'd shoot ourselves in the foot.

It's been... more difficult lately for us to act preemptively. When your reputation has taken the kind of hit that ours did, you have to be careful not to lose the PR battle.

On a related note, I can't bring villains in based on what they might do. They have to have committed some crime first.

4.) What was the worst fight you've had? 

The Zone incident, without a question.

I miscalculated. Then I didn't salvage my mistakes. People died.

5.) What are your official (and unofficial) opinions on your fellow teammates? 

Surpass: Who wouldn't want a hero like Surpass? She can be reckless, but it's hard to argue with those powers, and we'd be a worse unit without her.

[Redacted]: She's a pain in the ass and I wouldn't change her for anything.

Enfilade: A consummate professional with a head for tactical thinking. She's been an invaluable addition.

Catherine: It's been good to see her come out of her shell bit by bit, although she'll never be a social butterfly. She's harder on herself than she needs to be. Speaking a little more cynically, it's good to have snagged someone from the DPR; it helps our reputation.

Portrait: His constructs offer superb flexibility in the field. He's a very useful teammate to have, and he cares deeply about helping people in a way few others do.

Troy: I like him. He could hold up better under pressure, sure, but that's not a huge deal. Maybe he could stand to believe in himself a little more too.

Arcade: He's a fantastic asset both for PR and in the field. He could stand to remember that he's still learning, though.

Sammy: I wish I hadn't forced him to grow up this fast.

Phalanx: She's razor sharp and pulls no punches, as well as having excellent mastery of her powers. She's a great hero.

Beth: Hah... Catherine would have been a tough nut to crack if I hadn't cut my teeth on Beth first.

6.) What were your thoughts when Bet- I mean Phalanx joined?

It was heartening to have someone flip after the Zone. Reminded me that it wasn't exclusively the Hounds--exclusively me--to blame for everything. i did have concerns that she'd cause tension, considering our losses, but the others treated her very well.

She was and is a very troubled person. Even more guarded back then, if you can believe that.

Honestly, it was a good reality check about my people skills.

7.) Do you think there's a possibility of tensions between the GH and the DPR to boil over into an actual fight?

Doubtful. Both sides would have everything to lose.

8.) (off the record) What are your thoughts on the DPR? 

They're self-righteous and government-backed, which is a dangerous combination.

I expect many, if not most of their heroes have their hearts in the right place, but the organization itself is completely rotten. It says a lot that they're more concerned with who does the heroing--who's seen to do the heroing--than the heroing itself.

9.) Have you heard of Coven at all? 

I can't say I have.

10.) Would you allow a sad, tentacle having, former villain to become a GH?

I'm willing to hear villains out if they're repentant. Would probably be a PR nightmare, but I'd rather take an opinion hit than lose the chance to help someone for the better.

What if this is the one and only time they believe they can be more than a person who hurts others? What if rejecting them just confirms what they think of themselves?

11.) Will you marry me?

I'm sure you're lovely, but even if I knew you, I have a dangerous life and an open identity. It wouldn't be right.

[phr3ia]

Resonance (Jiyan x Fem!Reader x Calcharo) [Chapter 2 : Fake]

[Jinzhou]

You are seated comfortably in your office, your fingers tapping restlessly on the table as you read through the documents before you. There's a certain Mercenary Group causing trouble around Huang Long known as the Ghost Hounds. "Hmmmmm." your eyes shifted from paper to paper. It was evident how visibly angry you looked at the moment.

You are well-acquainted with this notorious group, particularly with their leader, Calcharo. "This guy..." you muttered, staring at his image on the screen, your teeth gritted in anger as you unknowingly gripped the documents in your hands. You have been investigating him for three years now, but you always struggle to locate his whereabouts due to the group frequently changing locations.

"Zhi Yu." you called, prompting your personal assistant to rush towards you. "Yes, Madam Secretary?!" he nervously responded, sensing your fury. For you, enough is enough. Calcharo has pushed you to your limit.

"Could you provide me with all the information we have on the Ghost Hounds and their leader?" You couldn't bear it any longer. This group had been abusing their power, even resorting to killing innocent citizens of Huang Long. While you understood the nature of mercenaries, you couldn't stand idly by if they continued to harm the innocent. "Okay. Fuck this! I'm going to hunt down this group myself." With a forceful slam of your hand on the table, you rose abruptly from your chair and grabbed your coat.

"M-Madam Secretary! Where are you going?!" Zhi Yu asked, well aware of your impulsiveness. As the Secretary of Justice, you needed to be as safe as possible. "Don't say a word of this to anyone, especially not to the General." you ordered, fixing a stern gaze on your assistant. "B-But Madam Secretary! You can't take action like this without a direct order from the Magistrate!"

Ignoring his protests, you continued towards the door. "I'll do my best to return before midnight." You stated before shutting the door behind you.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

[Desorock Highland...]

Jiyan clashed with waves of Tacet Discord with his broadblade, slicing through the air with grace and might. He was ready and cunning, anticipating their moves. His eyes, though carrying a hint of fatigue, were sharp and focused throughout the battle.

He had overexerted himself in his battles, to the point where Jiyan could barely hear the battle's sounds over the ringing in his ears. His arm ached with every swing of his sword. His heart thudded in his chest as he heaved for breath. He was close to Overclocking, but he shoved that realization to the back of his mind.

"Major Yue Xiu requesting immediate evacuation at Desorock Highland. I have discovered a nest of TDs hiding in a secret cave. I cannot seem to shake them. Aid is needed ASAP." Jiyan transmitted before making a hasty retreat, the exhaustion now difficult to ignore.

He stabilized his breathing as he marched back to the safety of the position they held. His eyes scanned the battlefield before his gaze fell on his trusted Lieutenant, Qiang. He relayed the information as Qiang readied more soldiers. He then tended to his most important duty: To lead by example.

The General wasn't always a man of many words in front of his soldiers, but he could roar against the TDs, and his army respected and followed his lead.

The day's triumph belonged to them.

With the sun setting, Jiyan gave the necessary orders to secure the area before he retreated to rest.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

You headed to the Port City of Guixu, as this was the last lead you had on the Ghost Hounds. Despite the presence of Tacet Discords roaming around, you chose to maintain a low profile to avoid drawing any unnecessary attention if there were indeed any Mercenaries in the vicinity.

Quietly, you entered the abandoned building and meticulously inspected each floor. Upon entering each room, you found nothing but traces of leftover food. "So they were really here." you mumbled under your breath as you continued to investigate the area.

You ventured back outside and wandered around until you reached a corner where you spotted a few members of the Ghost Hounds engaged in conversation. You crouched down, intending to approach them stealthily. "Hahaha! Did you see the looks on those villagers' faces? They didn't think twice about handing over all their food supply!" exclaimed the male mercenary, grinning as he rummaged through his bag.

"Is this how the Ghost Hounds operates? Exploiting the vulnerable?" You seethed inwardly as you listened. You were about to circle around to find a better position to attack when one of the mercenaries, who was urinating, caught sight of you. You locked eyes with him for a few seconds, but before the man could react, you had accidentally activated your Resonance Liberation Skill, triggering a massive explosion in the area.

The man in front of you was charred to a crisp, but the others managed to shield themselves from the sudden attack. The explosion also caught the attention of the Tacet Discords, drawing them towards your location.

"Shit!" you hissed, seeing the countless of TDs heading your way. You couldn't believe you  momentarily lost control. You had no choice but to fight them off while ensuring the Mercenaries wouldn't seize this opportunity to escape. "Let's go!" exclaimed one of them, prompting the others to flee alongside him. "Not on my watch!" you grinned, excitement gleaming in your eyes as you sprinted at incredible speed, flames trailing behind your feet.

You unsheathed your broadsword, poised to strike the fleeing criminals, when suddenly an Inferno Rider appeared in front of you. "An Overlord class?!" Your eyes widened in shock. You realized the challenge ahead, knowing that you shared the same element. The Overlord Tacet Discord standing before you possessed a strong resistance to fire.

One of the Mercenaries made a rash move despite the looming threat. "Don't move! That's not a Tacet Discord you want to provoke!"you warned. You couldn't afford to lose all of them. You needed them alive. With a single casualty from the accidental release of your skill earlier, you couldn't risk making the same mistake again.

Despite your warning, the man defiantly moved, and in just a single swing of the Riders's blade, he was burned into ashes.

Your eyes darted around, as you strategized to devise the best plan to defeat the TD before you.

"Wanna make it out of here alive?" you asked, locking eyes with the frightened Mercenaries beside you. "I need your cooperation to execute my plan." You added. "And why should we trust you?" one of them questioned, skeptical of your proposal. "Because you have no other choice." your expression conveyed the seriousness of your words.

Upon hearing your plan, the Mercenaries swiftly diverted the attention of the Inferno Rider, granting you the chance to charge up your skill. You allowed yourself to be engulfed by your own flames, the intense heat causing the concrete beneath your feet to slowly melt. You moved with lightning speed, disappearing and reappearing in front of the Inferno Rider, delivering a powerful punch infused with flames on your knuckles. However, the TD quickly recovered and launched its attack, which you swiftly countered. Your movements resembled a graceful dance, exuding elegance and precision.

While you may not possess the same strength as Jiyan, but you can stand your ground like a true soldier. You shielded the Mercenaries from the Rider's deadly blade by blocking its attack. The force was so strong that you could feel your strength waning. You persevered, knowing Jiyan would have done the same. You exerted more force on your blade, pushing until the Rider's blade pierced its own skin.

As it screamed in agony and stopped its movements, one of them cautiously asked, "Is it over?" But before you could respond, the Rider erupted in flames, prompting you to swiftly move out of the way. The intense heat emanating from the TD made the Mercenaries feel as though their skin was being scorched. You glanced at the them with concern, but in an instant, as you shifted your gaze, the Rider stood before you, face to face, ready to strike you with its blade.

Your eyes widened in shock, knowing you had little time to react.

Just as the blade was about to reach you, a sudden bolt of lightning struck from out of nowhere, intercepting the attack. And the next thing you knew, the Leader of the Ghost Hounds, Calcharo, appeared in front of you, his blade blocking the the Inferno Rider.

With a few clashing of swords and a single activation of his Liberation Skill, the Tacet Discord dissipated as if it had never existed.

"C-Calcharo!" the Mercenaries muttered, their voices tinged with fear.

Calcharo scanned the faces of the Mercenaries as they let out mutters of his name, their fear was a bitter addition to his satisfaction. He didn't expect these FAKES to be a threat, it was more of an insult to his pride as the Leader of the Ghost Hounds.

"Hold your tongue."

Calcharo aimed his blade at one of the fake Mercenaries but fixed his gaze at you, who remained calm and composed. If there was one person who intrigued him in this dingy place, it was you. You could have been anybody, a soldier, a bystander, a Mercenary, or an innocent. Yet, the sight of you standing in the midst of this chaos held his attention.

He stepped closer, his sword now pressed against your throat, leaving you in a position where you could either step back or yield to him.

"I'd like to know why a high ranking officer from Jinzhou is here, surrounded by rats."

His voice carried a serious tone. He wasn't one to judge, but this situation called for an explanation. The fake mercenaries around him shuffled on their feet, eyes cast downward, some showed signs of fear, others defiance.  

"Care to share your story, officer?"

Calcharo remained vigilant, ready to strike in an instant, but for now, he wanted answers from the officer in front of him.

•┈••✦ ❤ ✦••┈•

End Of Chapter 2 🌹...

[parasite-of-sentience]

Marley, of the Claw

My first draft at an npc profile for soulbound Ulfenkarn, formatted similarly to the existing npcs in the book! Marley is meant to be an additional hook and narrative for the van Altan Triplets and a Narrative Anchor for Lady Annika. as well as a potential friendly first hand account of the curse of vampirism.

my WIP versions of Marley and Lady Annika

Names: Magpie Marley, The Knight in Tarnished Brass, The Lion that hunts Wolves

Keywords: Outsider, Melancholy,

Pronouns: She/they Gender/Sexuality:

NB Femme / Asexual (Sex Averse)

Origin: Ghyran/ Greywater Fastness (Outsider)

Affiliations: Jade Lions Mercenary Company, (Former) Annika Gaunt(Former), Independent Renegade

Species: Vampire (Vyrkos Dynasty Bloodline/Unwilling) (Formerly Human)

CW Elements: Body horror, Betrayal/abandonment, Loss of self/corruption, abuse, Diaspora/Xenophobia

Inspirations: Kiryu (Yakuza), Guts(Berserk), Knights/Dancer of the Boreal Valley (Dark souls), Teppu

When thoughts return to the opulence of Mournhold, many think of Lady Annika Gaunt, Master of Ceremonies, flanked by outsider mercenaries in polished brass armor, and many dismissed them as shiny trinkets of the Lady. Those who had the honor to fight along side them knew them as the Jade Lions, mercenaries willing to throw themselves at the most rancid beast of Shyish, without complaint if not howls of elation. Howls that Marley, contentious even in their position of leadership, would never partake in.

Closest to Annika's side was Marley, Captain of the Claw, the postion inherited blade that seemed more at home in the hands of an ogor or a orruk. The tall taciturn form of Captain Marley, however demanded due respect to the wicked blade to even to the most cynical Mourner. Whispers of her low birth in the slums of Greywater Fastness, and Lady Annika's growing fondness for her were traded like knives in the parties and courts.

Werther thought a torn out throat, or Marley's absence from the now ascended Lady Annika's ranks, the rumors grew silent. Instead, Rumors abound of a warrior hunting the Vyrkos bloodborn as they torment the night. The Ulfenkarni don't know what to think yet of hearing the vampire that was cackling and hounding them moments before, plea and beg against the sounds of stone cracking butchery. Yet those lucky survivors whisper now of a greater predator stalking the streets. A Lion who hunts Wolves.

History

Born to the slums of Greywater Fastness, a young Marley was quickly put to work as a pickpocket. As she grew tall and strong of build, their same caretakers quickly put them to work as an enforcer and bouncer. They learned to load a pistol long before they knew how to read. Dismissed and shoehorned as just muscle in the slums, it was an easy decision to join the Jade Lions as they passed through the city. Their history and reputation followed them however, among the initiates she found herself a pariah. Rarely partaking in more than necessary of the enchanted drink that embolden the spirit and body the company often relied on, and never staying long for the parties after a successful hunt or campaign.

The Jade Lions company was lead by a delegation of four captains, each an inheritor of a gifted artifact to the company. The Captain of the Claw, a person of similar kindred melancholy, themselves took Marley as apprentice. Many spoke their misgivings of her inheritance of the captaincy openly. While inheritors were selected based on temperament, many deemed Marley far too Laconic and estranged from company culture for the position. Regardless of any actions taken, her past reputation earned them the moniker of "Magpie Marley," to accompany "Marley the Claw"

Desiring to prove her worthiness of the position, Marley was the first to support the contract offered by Annika Gaunt; to serve as Auxiliary and Bodyguards within Mournhold. the inevitable Duel to break the tie vote was narrowly won, by a furious drive Marley would come to regret with all their heart. the Jade Lions soon found themselves as outsiders to one of the oldest standing cities in the realms; but this was not a feeling Marley was unused to.

The Tour would be as much Parade duty as it was fighting but the company, and Marley were more than happy to take out their frustrations out on the most hideous monster's Shyish had to offer. Mistrusted within the Jade Lions, Marley often found council with their employer Lady Annika; who wasn't shy about reciprocating the trust in gifts, attention, and thinly veiled request to accompany her to events as a "bodyguard." Their burgeoning relationship took a darker, possessive turn as Annika ingratiated herself to Radukar's Thirsting Court. As the coup neared, Lady Annika would rely on the Lions increasingly less. Marley would be stuck outside of soundproof doors, matching the hungry gaze of vampires with piercing glares as Annika made wicked, dark deals.

Newly embraced as a vampire on the eve of the coup, Annika offered the Jade Lions gladly as additional Tribute to the newborn Regime, with conditions. She would be allowed to "keep" Marley and a few choice members as her new personal court. Attacked on all sides, Marley watched her comrades torn to pieces, or dragged away one by one into the pitch black night, the air alight with screams throughout the entire city. seeing Annika among the bloodstained beasts, Marley's reason left them and she rushed to her side; only to find herself pinned under her, impaled through the stomach on the newly ensorcelled Blade Proboscan. Anguished pleas drowned in the sounds of carnage and howling, no one who would listen could stop Marley from Receiving the Blood Kiss from Annika. She doesn't remember making her escape; but as she regained awareness in a bloodstained alley, she found the tarnished mask of her fellow captain in her own rigor mortis death grip.

Status

Alone in a city mistrustful of strangers, much less vampires, Marley hides in the day. The artifact of the captain of the Mask has proven essential to their survival; a tool meant to conceal ones presence with life magic has allowed her to unintentionally shroud their own vampiric nature as well.

During the night a guilt ridden, vengeful Marley stalks the night hunting overconfident, overeager Vyrkos Bloodborn, seeking answers on Lady Annika's location. They've morbidly found the most success in interrogating their own former comrades, naturally the ones closes to Annika. Lady Annika herself is not bold enough to announce her failure to keep Marley to the Thirsting Court; and thus receive official support to hunt down Marley. This lack of awareness and attention has worked to Marley's benefit but Annika's personal count aren't above taking matters in their own hands on the traitor they never liked.

While Marley will never forcibly drain or attack the Ulfenkarni, their trauma driven focus, fear of being betrayed to her enemies, and fading sense of empathy keeps her from outright championing them. They will gladly turn their fury upon their vampiric attackers however, before leaving without a word.

Roleplaying as

Even before becoming a vampire, Marley was always a silent, honed tool of brutal violence. while never cruel or sadistic, Marley finds unsettling ease in killing. Despite this Marley maintains their lifelong focus to only match violence to the deserving; but in their current state its only a matter of time before one who's lived a life as a tool and weapon harms the innocent.

Marley speaks in quiet grunts and short matter of fact statements. When they choose to open up they will still rarely speak more than blunt cold humor. Rare moments of soft spoken compassion are offered to children especially if Marley is well fed; and harm directed at a child will face resistance from Marley regardless of hunger level

Questions about the Mask will often be ignored, and attempts to touch it will make her use force. In moments of privacy away from survivors but among the a party she trust Marley might take off the mask to reveal an exhausted face, looking at the mask and touching it tenderly in quiet introspection.

She reacts poorly to the moniker of Magpie, especially when it's used by The Jade Lions or Annika. Often becoming stiff and unresponsive. similarly, she will reacted with uncharacteristic defensiveness if accusations of theft are ever directed at her.

Their behavior will change depending on how often they have been feeding. Well fed, Marley will be more open to working with the party and actively protecting survivors; even making the occasional morbid joke. if Marley goes too long without feeding they grow restless, pacing and growling, often disappearing on their own. they begin snapping more at the party and survivors with cold jabs, eager to return to their hunt for lady Annika.

If a Party Member or NPC offers to feed Marley with their own blood they will accept quietly, with a thanks offered, but with a grateful gentleness. afterwards they will retreat to privacy to sulk, completely unresponsive unless in danger.

The only enemies Marley will feed on are other vampires and Beasts. she will drink greedily and deep in silence after a combat, before again retreating to privacy to sulk in silence. drinking from vampires will have Marley visible shivering, though not to any obvious or spoken discomfort.

The Claw is a large ornate curved blade with many hooked edges. the handle seems just a bit too large for a human, but Marley wields it with ease. it is a brutal tool of harm that reflects Marley's own self perception. Seemingly for that reason she often clutches it close to her chest or leans against it for support, putting it between herself and others.

In moments of Repose, Marley has taken to the Mourner hobby of scrimshaw, quietly shaping small tools and toys. the later often finds their way to the hands of local children, many of them refusing to snitch on who they received it from.

Mentions of Lady Annika are enough to drive her into a cold frenzy; demanding answers and easily threatening violence, especially against another vampire. if outright confronted with lady Annika, a well fed Marley will freeze and be unresponsive unless directed; a hungry Marley will aim immediately for the kill with bestial fervor.

In Combat

Combat Behavior as an NPC will change depending on Blood Hunger Level:

When well fed Marley will delegate to the party, but other wise will focus on maintain defensive position around the most vulnerable elements present. well fed Marley will not feed on enemies and will not benefit from the hunger in combat, a child being in danger will always have Marley guarding them regardless of hunger level or party wishes.

When hungry Marley will focus down the most Dangerous enemy present. Marley will only feed on vampires and beasts and only benefit from the hunger in that way.

CW Elements

Body Horror

Marley's body is no longer just hers and she shares it with a ravening beast eager to make it its own. if Marley goes too long without feeding, or in moments of particularly high distress, she will begin temporarily or permanently transforming into more bestial forms. her hands are already forming claws under that scrape and chafe under her gauntlets. permanent changes are left to narrative weight over an actual encounter. if say Marley defeats the rest of the turned jade lions or Annika herself and underwent a dramatic transformation in the fight, making peace with that form is its own opportunity for roleplay. these elements along with corruption can let a party see and experience the pitfalls of the curse of vampirism indirectly

This element can be avoided with either non transformative super power changes or focusing on the mental distress and changes.

Betrayal/Abandonment The betrayal of Annika and the turning of the remaining Jade Lions has wounded Marley to her core. while it doesn't have to be explicit it can be heavily implied that Annika and Marley were romantically involved, even if their relationship was unhealthy and unbalanced. Marley will have difficulty putting full trust in anyone unless consistently fed and encouraged to assist survivors. If Marley is avoided or kept out of discussions she will respond in kind and make herself scarce, unwilling to open herself to be betrayed again. Marley takes personal responsibility to "free" the Jade Lions from their current vampirism, and if they provoke her she will silently focus all attention on destroying them.

This element can be avoided if you avoid direct ties to the Jade Lions or downplay the relationship with Annika.

Loss of Self/Corruption Vampirism drains the ability to care and empathize from even the kindest soul. While Marley Steadfastly will defend especially children, she is slow to offer succor or comfort. a high blood hunger Marley will often be stuck in deep silent melancholy, mourning feelings she can barely remember.

Members of the Jade lions will be quick to taunt how "Readily" Marley took to vampirism as one who was already so eager for bestial blood-drenched killing. Lady Annika herself will give cooing praise to her "Knight" for her capacity for violence, especially at high blood hunger.

Draining other Vampires to death will begin provoking the beast in Marley, each will satisfy her till after a downtime period but will increase her need for blood after the next downtime period. each one will start making Marley colder and less likely to assist survivors without direction.

This element can be avoided with focusing more on physicals changes.

Abuse The act of betraying and forcibly turning Marley can be easily potentially read as a possessive romantically abusive or even sexually abusive act. these elements can be and are encouraged to be downplayed or avoided in explicit terms as needed.

While their romantic feelings were reciprocated the implied relationship with Marley and Annika was one of possessiveness and power imbalance. Marley sought to please, and to keep in favor of the person who ultimately was her employer. Annika meanwhile failed to see Marley's individual personhood and will, long before the betrayal; assuming that she could make every decision for Marley and convince her to join the coup. When Marley becomes distressed at the Moniker of Magpie, Annika attempted to claim it as a pet name for her. This has only worsened her feelings on the moniker since.

Annika's infatuation with Marley is based in the misunderstanding of Marley's character, assuming that the mercenary killer to be Marley's nature as a beast and not her meeting the lifelong expectation that her strength is to be used for others. Where as Marley responded well to someone who was giving her positive attention, but failed to recognize the controlling alienating influence Annika had on her. Ultimately while the two could have strong feelings for each other, they are utterly alien to each other as people. a revelation Marley wished she could have made in time.

These elements can be avoided by not including or downplaying the relationship with Annika. their romantic relationship can also be framed instead as a tragic misunderstanding or star crossed circumstance

Diaspora/Xenophobia

Marley can be easily recognized as an outsider by Ulfenkarni for better or worse. she doesn't participate or is unfamiliar in greetings and customs. some will take that well and confide in her anticipating distance from the thirsting court. meanwhile, many others will shun and fear Marley for being another outside element, coming on the dawn of another outside element overthrowing their city. Marley on the outside takes it in stride and will give a wide berth to those who shun her; but the alienation and loneliness of being a stranger in this place weights on her.

Xenophobia can be a sensitive subject that if a group is not ready to address that as a topic, if so then approaching this subject should be avoided and made clear that it will not be a topic.

Progression

In the 1st Arc Marley can be encountered near the Spires and can be convinced to assist in taking down the Van Alten Triplets in an attempt to hunt down information on Lady Annika, but will likely not disclose this to the party.

In arc 2 Marley will be stalking near the Spires and will be hesitant to open up to a party she is not close to about Lady Annika but will be glad to help make any headway necessary. unless endeared to the survivors she is unlikely to spend much time lingering in haven.

either arc Marley can be potentially introduced offering to assist the part defeat a vyrkos bloodborn or vargheist in the area. Further adventures allowing getting closer to Marley can be helping hunt down other members of the Jade Lions for information in either arc

Potential bad ends for Marley can involve drinking too many other vampires to death and failing to fight her vampiric nature, potentially joining Annika truly as her Knight. if she fails avoid going hungry for too long and clashes with the party she might devolve into a Vargheist and need to be defeated. Keeping her low blood hunger isn't likely to increase her vampiric powers but could result in defensive/bodyguard buffs.

If Marley Defeats Annika and is at high blood hunger or high vampire corruption she might try to drink Annika to death which may result in transforming into a Vengorian lord like form as another boss immediately or later.

Inspirations

Marley as an OC draws heavily from Kiryu Kazama From the Yakuza/Like a Dragon Franchise. someone born out of time/place, who's personal code and leanings often are a mismatch for the era and place she lives in. As well as someone who believes that their strength warrants service, no matter how much of a burden it becomes. Marley is also a personal reflection of my experiences as Diaspora, so to me she is coded as East Asian/ Chinese.

This version of Marley draws heavily from Guts from Berserk as well with themes of unresolved trauma and abuse. The Elements of Abuse and corruption were inspired by Astarion from Baldurs gate 3. stylistically this version of Marley also draws heavily from the soulsborne franchise, especially the knights and dancer of the boreal valley. appearance wise I personally often imagine a similar Appearance and body type to Natsuo from Teppu.

[malsfefanfics]

OC Profile: Rosamund

art by @/nessiemccormick, edited down to icon size by me

"You wish to know more about Rosamund? She's rather easy to talk to, once you get past that Vestra pride. Though I honestly don't know her that well, given how Hubert didn't even tell me of her existance until recently. She also tends to keep people at dog's length from her at all times. Yes, I mean 'dog'." -- Edelgard, about Rosamund.

Full name: Rosamund von Vestra Nicknames: Rosa (Raphael, Mercedes, Caspar, Constance, Claude), Rosebud (Hapi), Rosie (by Dorothea), Petal (For Hubert Use Only), Little Rose Wolf (Yuri) Birthday: Day 6 of the Harpstring Moon, 1165 Age: 15-16 (Pre-TS), 20+ (Post-TS) Crest: None Family: Marquis Iason von Vestra (Father, Deceased), Medee (Mother), Hubert (Older Brother), Tancred (Younger Brother), Rigel (Best Hound) Nationality: Adrestia Titles: Master of the Hounds, The Thorn Huntress, Devoted Bloom Voice Claim: Jeannie Tirado (leaning more towards Rose from Resident Evil Village in tone)

Interests: Hunting, History of Fódlan and surrounding nations, Weapons and training, Singing Likes: Sweets, Dogs, Her brothers, Fish, Healthy Competition, Saint Cichol Dislikes: Her father, The Church, Saint Seiros, Noble Society, Liars, Formal Dresses, Herself

Favorite Meals: Super Spicy Fish Dango, Pheasant Roast with Berry Sauce, Pickled Rabbit Skewers Liked Meals: Saghert and Cream, Sweet Trio Bun, Grilled Herring, Sautéed Jerky, Small Fish Skewers, Fried Crayfish Disliked Meals: Daphnel Stew, Bourgeois Pike, Cheesy Verona Stew, Gautier Cheese Gratin

Tea Preferences: Lavender Blend, Almyran Pine Needles, Mint Tea, Rose Petal Blend

Liked Gifts: Hunting Dagger, The History of Fódlan, Fishing Float, Smoked Meat, any flower, Stylish Hair Clip Disliked Gifts: Gemstone Beads, Goddess Statuette, Blue Cheese, Book of Crest Designs

Lost Items:

Book of Hunters' Fables: A hand written book of fables and folk songs shared by hunters from across the continent. Looks well read.

Family Dagger: A dagger with a pink blade and a green handle. Reminds you of primroses.

Children's Music Box: A silver music box that plays an unfamiliar lullaby. There's the coat of arms of an Adrestian Family on the lid.

Starting Class: Noble Preferred Class Path: Noble --> Fighter/Myrmidon --> Archer/Thief --> Sniper/Assassin Strength: Bow, Sword Weakness: White Magic, Black Magic, Dark Magic Budding Talent: Authority Personal Skill: 'Howling Shot', increases power against Demonic Beasts by +5.

Weapons Starting Levels:

Sword: D Lance: E+ Axe: E Bow: B Brawling: E Reason: E Faith: E Authority: C Heavy Armor: E Riding: E+ Flying: E

Base Stats:

HP: 25 Str: 7 Mag: 1 Dex: 8 Spd: 6 Lck: 7 Def: 6 Res: 7 Cha: 9

Learned Faith Spells: ??? Learned Reason Spells: ???

Recruit Requirements for Canon-Compliance AUs: Crimson Flower requires C-support with Hubert and Edelgard, and B-support with Petra or Bernadetta. Verdant Wind requires B+ Rank or Higher of Flying, Faith, and Reason, and must have majority of Black Eagles and Ashen Wolves recruited. Cannot be recruited on Blue Lions or Silver Snow.

Potential Supports:

Byleth

Hubert

Tancred

Medee

Edelgard

Petra

Linhardt

Caspar

Dorothea

Bernadetta

Ferdinand

Jeritza

Mercedes

Felix

Sylvain

Ashe

Annette

Claude

Leonie

Raphael

Lysithea

Yuri

Hapi

Constance

Seteth

Flayn

Shamir

Hanneman

Manuela

Crit Quotes:

You wish!

For my brothers!

How annoying.

I'll never lose!

You call that a shot?

I thought you'd be a challenge.

I'll cut you down!

Time for the hunt!

No goddess can save you.

Defeat Quotes:

I can't fall here. Best to pull back for now.

That...could have gone better.

I'm sorry, brother. I failed you.....

Your Majesty, please....look after my family.....

I guess I truly am....the weakest Vestra.....

Skill Level Increase Quotes:

I can use this on the hunt.

This is easy as pie.

Another day, another lesson.

I can do that? Explains a lot. (Budding Talent)

I....I actually do that? (Magic)

Level Up Quotes:

As to be expected of a Vestra.

Excellence comes with hard work.

Getting stronger and wiser.

Missed the mark, it seems.

I can hear the old man scoffing from the grave.

Not sure I have much left to learn.

Gift Quotes:

Liked Gifts: Oh, I love this! How did you know?

Neutral Gifts: Thanks. This will be useful for later.

Disliked Gifts: You might have better luck elsewhere.

[see-arcane]

Your 'Ghouls are Deaths hunting dogs' idea reminds me of the one guy who, when accused of being a werewolf, said that werewolves were the hounds of God who battled witches and demons. Anne Rice (yes, she of vampire fame) wrote at least two books with a similar premise (wolven shapeshifters that can smell evil and hunt only the wicked. The books are called 'The Wolf Gift' and 'The Wolves of Midwinter' BTW.)

Vampires VS Werewolves has always been a tasty concept. I could especially see a grudge happening in the Dracula canon, considering how happy the Count is to make slavering puppets of ordinary wolves and muscle them into danger and violence against their will. I've seen it done well in tons of monster mashing media, but it's kind of lost its flavor to me as a 'gimme' of supernatural horror.

But it'd be very fun to abuse the werewolf foe assumption based on 1) A lupine profile in the head and 2) Being seen munching on a corpse...

Only for the observer to realize that's a canine (even jackal or hyena-ish) head on those misshapen shoulders and that corpse it's ripping apart isn't a fresh kill. It's full of maggots. Or worse.

Dead, but not done being sentient.

Rest in pieces, Count de Ville. 🍽

[doginprogress]

The Ibizan Hound

For National Purebred Dog Day and Day of the Podenco (May 1st) please enjoy this write up I recently did on the Ibizan Hound (aka Podenco Ibicenco).

Please keep in mind that I am U.S. based, so most of my information is going to be about the community and sports here in the United States.

The beginning of the Ibizan Hound, like many primitive breeds, cannot be narrowed down to a specific set of dates or even years. Like many other Mediterranean and Middle Eastern breeds, fanciers like to compare Ibizan profiles to those of dogs found in hieroglyphs and on statues and imagine their ancestors being those who lived among the Ancient Egyptians. Then, at some point, they were said to be brought over to the island of Ibiza on trade ships. Recent genetic testing does not quite support this story, but what can't be denied is this - Ibizan Hounds have been uniquely selected and adapted over hundreds of years to hunt rabbit through the brush-filled, rocky embankments and hot, arid climate of Ibiza.

Ibizans are pack hunters - first using their eyes, ears, noses, and innate curiosity to investigate the area and find anything attempting to hide in briars or other natural formations. A bark, a wagging tail raised over the back, and an excitement for the future chase alert the other dogs and the human hunters to the prey's location, where the dogs will congregate, flush the prey from it's hideout, and hope for a quick catch. But, if the rabbit is clever enough to avoid immediate doom, the chase gives way over the harsh landscape. This is where the Ibizan's unique conformation comes in. Their front is intentionally forward set and has more elasticity than most breeds, giving them the ability to maneuver, rotate, and change direction mid-air. Combined with lithe, flat muscling, their medium size, incredible leaping prowess, and fear of nothing in the face of the hunt, most Ibizans have the drive and ability to go over, under, around, or through any natural obstacle they may find in their path. Ibizan Hounds are an excellent example of form follows function in that everything, from the ears on their head down to the tips of their tails, has been fashioned to help them excel at their purpose over the years of selection for the best hunters.

In the United States today, Ibizans have been recognized in the Hound Group by the AKC since 1978. Officially, the standard calls for females to be 22.5-26" and males 23.5-27.5", though small deviances in either direction shouldn't be held against a dog who is otherwise a nice example of the breed. With this height range, you can find dogs anywhere from 35-70+ lbs. Because of the conformation of their skeletal structure and flat muscling, it is common to find healthy or even overweight dogs who show hip bones, ribs, and spine, especially during their "teenage" phases. All purebred Ibizans will be red, white, or most likely, a combination of red and white with rosy, flesh toned noses and pigmentation. Both smooth and wire coats are allowed, and in the AKC, are shown together in the ring and can be interbred. The only disqualification in the AKC standard is for "Any color other than white or red and any pigment color which is not as described". The standard leaves enough open to personal interpretation that Ibizans tend to have a range of "styles" within the breed, while retaining the distinctive breed type. Overall, Ibizans should be elegant, refined, and "deer-like" in their appearance without being fine to the point of fragility. Moderation is an essential aspect of their appearance and ability. An Ibizan overdone in one way or another would not excel at it's original function.

Temperamentally, the word moderation could not be less true. Ibizans (affectionately called beezers by those who love them) should be stable, easy-going, and affectionate. Aloofness with strangers is common and acceptable. However, alongside all the above comes a dog with a wicked sense of humor, an innate curiosity, and the physical ability to follow through on their heart's whims. Beezers are over-the-top goofy and tend to be wildly affectionate with those in their inner circle. Ibizans are pack dogs, and should easily integrate themselves into groups and generally get along with others. They do well with routines and order, since they tend to make their own chaos, but training must be approached with the understanding that most are very easily bored, and will find it beneath themselves to repeat an activity they believe they've conquered.

While they obviously excel at running sports like lure coursing and racing, Ibizans are also able to have fun and have been making strides in sports like agility, nosework, rally, and dock diving (and rumor is a few are starting to dabble in flyball). The breed is also one that sees many Owner-Handlers win and do well in the conformation ring. Beezers are generally classified as high energy, and most are willing to keep going all day if they find whatever activity to be enjoyable. However, once they reach maturity, you're just as likely to find them lazing the day away on the comfort of a bed or couch.

Ibizan Hound Club of the United States

AKC Ibizan Hound Breed Page

FCI Podenco Ibicenco Page

(Pictures are used with permission)

[bestworstcase]

I like your analysis on many things and I generally concurred on your points regarding Salem not seemingly doing anything but a thought did occur.

How does the idea Salem wasn't engaging in a secret war align with her killing Silver Eyed Warriors? No one else has anything to gain from their demises after all, so it wouldn't make sense for someone we've not met to be doing it.

the worldbuilding gremlins in my brain will not permit me to answer this without first noting that people are absolutely fantastic at rationalizing pointless violence and there’s a fine line between a savior and a scapegoat.

all it takes is one rumor that the warrior who turns grimm aside with a mere glance is really their master, sparing the faithful but unleashing the monsters on those who do not fall in line. or someone putting old myths about the maidens—witches whose power you can take by killing them—together with silver eyes. or one charismatic zealot blaming silver eyed warriors for the massacre of a village they couldn’t save. you know?

but, realistically, if silver-eyed folk are all descended from ozma, they’d have to be pretty rare to begin with—man doesn’t seem like he’s done a lot of settling down to have kids on the regular—and i don’t imagine there’s ever been enough of them for anyone but salem to be consistently picking them off.

although i will add that our data points here are: 1. maria, who was unambiguously targeted because of her eyes, 2. summer rose, who sought salem out on purpose, 3. hound guy, who salem fucked up good, and 4. maria’s father’s theory that the only reason silver eyes could possibly be so rare and obscure was if someone was hunting them down, which… isn’t logically sound actually, it requires the presupposition that silver eyes were common once and aren’t anymore, which probably isn’t the case bfjrhrk

and then like, look at the circumstances surrounding the three silver eyed people that we know FOR SURE that salem crossed paths with in some way: maria was a legend who styled herself as the grimm reaper. summer chose to go after salem, not the other way around. the hound… we have no idea where, when, or how salem found that guy, but we do know that he was the first, bc the hound was an experiment.

2 out of 3 are clearly atypical, and the 1 who isn’t was a SUPER high profile huntress, and combined with V9 establishing that summer’s “normal” was constant false alarms and ‘emergencies’ that turned out to be nothing? to me that raises the question of whether salem made a regular practice of culling silver-eyed warriors or if she went after maria bc maria’s fame brought her to salem’s attention?

BUT. THAT ASIDE,

i do think it’s pretty likely that salem regularly put bounties on the heads of SEWs of maria’s caliber, and may have exerted more effort than that (although if so, those efforts seem to have tapered off in the postwar era—it beggars belief that summer, ozpin’s protégée, would have slipped salem’s notice).

why? salem’s a grimm. grimm are very clearly shown to be… not mindless demonic monsters; they’re social creatures, they’re way smarter than huntsmen give ’em credit for, they have a drive to live just like any other living thing. and they’re all salem has. she’s been exiled from human and faunus civilization for thousands of years, but the grimm have never rejected her. it makes sense to me that she’d want to protect them?

and also, if she made the same connection maria did, and assumed silver eyes derived their power from the god of light… well. all the more reason to strike them down.

but, more to the point, salem taking maria out was entirely unrelated to whatever conflict she may or may not have been engaging in with ozpin at the time, because maria… didn’t know ozpin, wasn’t party to his conspiracy, had zero knowledge of salem’s existence. she was a lone, legendary hero doing her thing completely separate from what ozpin had going on. (which if anything supports the broader theory that salem was Focused On Other Things besides him; ‘other things’ need not necessarily be ‘good things’ hrgjshk)

there’s this pretty widespread fanon that ozma recruited silver-eyed warriors to his cause / that there is a power struggle of some kind over silver eyes akin to the one over the maidens, but i’m not… sure how well that holds up. certainly ozpin placed some importance on ruby’s eyes, but the impression i get is that ozma sees silver eyes as a proxy for his ‘smaller, more honest soul’—he’s not looking for the power so much as he’s looking for a particular purity of character. & obviously there’s silver-eyed folks out there who don’t answer to him or even know him.

so salem targeting silver eyes might sometimes overlap with taking out an agent of his, but equally it might just as often be motivated by—somewhat ironically—wanting to protect the lives of grimm.

[disneyanddisneyships]

Get Down

Warnings: Alastor being OOC. This is in no way supposed to be in Canon universe yall. This is purely for fun. I know Alastor is Ace.

Pairings: Alastor x aponi

Summary: Alastor confronts aponi after what he saw the night before. Aponi proves she doesn't need him anymore. (Part 3 of "me too")

Taglist: @gyubby99

After the events of the night prior Aponi found herself more closed off to Alastor than usual.

Which Alastor noticed, of course.

All day he had been trying to get her alone to talk. After witnessing her breakdown last night and realizing why she broke up with him, he felt as if he needed to confirm.

He hated the feelings in his stomach. He hated that somehow she was the only one to bring these feelings onto him. And he hated that at times, he didn't mind it.

"Lilly," Alastor stated as he appeared in front of her, his smile ever present.

Aponi rolled her eyes. "What do you need?" She asked as she helped to position a dancer.

"I was wondering if we could speak... alone," Alastor all but muttered.

Aponi scoffed. "Why, you wanna yell at me in private?"

"Why must you be so stubborn?!" Alastor asked a but louder thus time.

"HAH. you're one to talk," Aponi replied as she walked away to get her water bottle.

"Look at me," Alastor commanded.

Aponi rolled her eyes, ignoring him.

"You would be nothing without me! Admit it!" He shouted, his smile straining.

"Admit what?!" Aponi asked, finally turning around.

"That you miss me!" Alastor stated sith a cocktail smile as if it was the most obvious thing in the room.

At this point everyone in the room was staring.

"HAH! HAHAHAHAH!" Aponi laughed. "You wanna see how much I miss you?" She asked.

Alastor stayed silent.

"Music," Aponi stated as her dancers moved to put on music Aponi had picked out to teach them today.

Sittin' here all alone On a throne

Aponi sang as she sat on a chair that her dancers brought out for her.

In a palace that I happen to own

She sang, gesturing to the whole room and in return, the whole building.

Bring me some pheasant Keep it on the bone

She sang with a glare.

Fill my goblet up to the brim Sippin' on mead and I spill it on my dress With the gold lace trim Not very prim and proper Can't make me stop

As she sang, her dancers brought her a wine glass, filling it with wine before she took a quick sip of the drink.

I wanna go hunting, any takers? I'm not fake 'cause I've got acres and acres Paid for with my own riches

She sang as she pulled out some coins from her purse, letting them clatter to the floor.

Where my hounds at? Release the bitches (Woof)

Her dancers surrounded her, singing along before aponi stood up and began walking toward Alastor.

Everyday Head back for a round of croquet, yeah 'Cause I'm a player And tomorrow, I'll hit replay

She stated with a smirk before walking around the room as the music picked up.

You, you said that I tricked ya 'Cause I, I didn't look like my profile picture Too, too bad I don't agree So I'm gonna hang it up for everyone to see And you can't stop me 'cause

As she walked, her dancers followed, dancing in perfect harmony as if they had practiced this. (They did)

Aponi made her way back to the middle of the room, sitting back down in her chair as her antennae sprouted from her head and her wings grew from her back.

I'm the queen of the castle Get down, you dirty rascal

She sang as the lights turned off, the spotlights highlighting her features as her dancers moved her around the room in her chair.

Get down Get down Get down you dirty rascal Get down Get down 'Cause I'm the queen of the castle

As the music went on Alastor rolled his eyes before his grip on his microphone got tighter at the sound of Charlie behind him.

"Shes really cool," Charlie stated as she watched the performance.

Hey When I get bored I go to court

Aponi stated with a wink before moving to dance again.

Pull up outside in my carriage

She sang as she and her dancers pranced around in perfect rhythm.

Don't got no marriage

She held up her hand, absent of the ring alastor had gifted her.

So I have a little flirt with the footman As he takes my fur (huh!)

She stated as she threw off her sweater.

Her dancers gasped as she stood like that for a few beats, a smile on her face as she looked to alastor.

As you were

She winked again.

Making my way to the dance floor

She sang more as she walked into the middle of the room, striking a pose.

Some boys make an advance I ignore them As my jam comes on the lute

Her movements paused as the sound of a lute played.

Lookin' cute Das ist gut

She giggled as she started dancing.

All eyes on me

Her dancers kneeled down, looking at her as she sang.

(No criticism) I look more rad than Lutheranism

She moved her hands to pose as if she was praying.

Dance so hard that I'm causin' a sensation

She stated as she danced to the beat.

Okay ladies, let's get in reformation

She sang with a smirk as her dancers lined up next to her.

You, you said that I tricked ya 'Cause I, I didn't look like my profile picture Too, too bad I don't agree So I'm gonna hang it up for everyone to see And you can't stop me 'cause

As she sang she began dancing even more.

Alastor's smile strained in a small amount of heartbreak. He hated these feelings.

I'm the queen of the castle Get down, you dirty rascal Get down (yeah, hey) Get down you dirty rascal Get down Get down 'Cause I'm the queen of the castle

As the music went on, aponi continued to dance, the look on her face free as she smiled through the lyrics and music.

Hey, best friend, here's the thing

She stated as she saddled up next to angel before turning to Charlie.

Now, I ain't saying I'm a gold digger But check my prenup, ahh! And go figure

Aponi giggled as she sang.

Got gold chains Symbolic of my faith to the higher power In the (fast lane)

Aponi gestured to her outfit, a gold accentuated top with gold jewelry she wore for the performance today.

My horses can trot up to twelve miles an hour Let me explain I'm a Wienerschnitzel, not an English flower

She and her dancers moved to the beat, smiles on all of their faces as they had fun.

No one tells me I need a rich man Doin' my thing in my palace in Richmond

She yelled in alastors face, rage on her features.

You (hey), you said that I tricked ya (tricked ya) 'Cause I, I didn't look like my profile picture Too, too bad I don't agree (no) So I'm gonna hang it up (hang it up, hang it up) for everyone to see (Henry!) And you can't (no) stop (uh uh), you can't stop me, 'cause

Her dancers began to sing as well as she danced, performing flips and twirls that were too advanced for some people.

'Cause I'm the queen of the castle

As the lights went down for effect, aponi smirked at alastor.

Get down, you dirty rascal Get down (ah, you get up, get up) Get down (okay, okay, that was cute, that's enough) Get down, this is my song, honey (ge-ge-uh-ge-ge-uh-ge-ge get) Get down

As the song went, aponi encouraged others to join the song.

After a while everyone in the room was dancing except for alastor.

"Cause I'm the queen of the castle," aponi stated, crossing her arms only a few inches away from Alastor.

All the dancers in the room applauded and supported one another as aponi and alastor continued to glare.

"Lilly, I-"

"It's Aponi, to you, radio demon," Aponi stated before walking away. "Alright Charlie let's see if you and your friends have been practicing!" Aponi stated with a smile as she walked away from alastor.

[consanguinitatum]

Rare David Tennant audios: another Did He or Didn't He? in The Tragedy of Two....whatsits?

I've talked about David's rarer audio work before (referring to the magical Tuesdays & Sundays, which I've covered earlier) but today I thought I'd switch gears and talk about one of the very few audio works of his I don't have and would love to find. This particular one is special because I've never seen it listed on any forum as an audio David ever did. I popped over to see if it was listed at the venerable David Tennant fan site and nope, they don't have it listed. Neither does VK's usually stellar David Tennant Asylum.

But he did it.

Before continuing, I need to first mention dramatist and author Jane Rogers. Rogers wrote the book The Island and worked on its radio adaptation in 2002. She also adapted The Beach of Falesa and The Ebb Tide from Terror in the South Seas by Robert Louis Stevenson. The Island was broadcast 22 Oct 2002 on BBC Radio 4 as the Radio 4 Friday Play, and the Stevenson duo was broadcast in Dec 2016 on BBC Radio 4. David has played roles in all of these audio plays.

Let’s keep Jane in mind for now, shall we? For here is where my journey began.

I first learned about this mystery audio's existence years ago from David's profile in the programme for his 1999 play Vassa. Listed among his radio credits was a play called The Tragedy Of Two Virtues.

WELL.

Knowing for certain I'd never seen this play listed elsewhere in his credits, I began to hunt. During the few years of frustrating on again and off again searching which followed I saw the words "Two Ambitions" pop up now and again. I kept dismissing this as a 'close-but-no-cigar' kind of thing - until finally I didn't, and started taking an alternate possibility more seriously. Perhaps the programme had just mis-named the thing?

To that end I did some reading on Hardy's A Tragedy of Two Ambitions. The story is about two brothers, Joshua and Cornelius Halborough, who want to escape from their humble surroundings and get away from the alcoholic, irresponsible father who threatens to destroy everything they've worked for. If you're interested, you can read further details about the plot here.

I also needed to narrow down the date when David might've done this audio, so I went back to the programme it had been mentioned in - the Jan 1999 Vassa programme. It was there, but it wasn’t in any published programmes from David's previous play (Real Inspector Hound/Black Comedy, Apr to Oct 1998). That helped me place the audio's possible production date between Oct 1998 and Jan 1999.

But this possible late 1990s time frame worried me. After 2000, the BBC policy was to archive all "performance programmes" on CD, so (theoretically) plays after that date should exist in the BBC archive. But before then? Oh boy. Well over 90% of broadcast radio plays were not kept. Ughhhh!

But onwards, research-wise. I dove into the BBC Genome Project to see if an audio production called The Tragedy of Two Ambitions fell in that time frame, and lo and behold it had! But it wasn't the full court press "AH HA!" moment I'd hoped; while David's name wasn't listed in its entry, it did give me the dramatist's name. So I determined it was best to just go to the source and ask.

(Re)enter Jane Rogers.

When I finally managed to contact her, my first question to her was, “Was a young David Tennant one of the cast members in the piece? I ask because he did an elusive audio in the same time frame that's been (possibly) mislabeled A Tragedy of Two Virtues, and I suspect your piece might be the correct title?”

Initially she told me she wasn't at all sure he was in it, because her first recollection of meeting David was for the audio adaptation of The Island. She told me, "As far as I remember, the first time I met David Tennant was when he played Callum in my radio drama The Island, adapted from my own novel. He was a young and relatively unknown actor at that point, and was absolutely brilliant. As, of course, he has continued to be!"

But later, after she found her script for the play, she was able to confirm for me that David was indeed a cast member in the audio - a fact which surprised and delighted her as much as it did me. Rogers said David played the lead part of Joshua, and the play had been recorded on 21 Nov 1998. And here's a cool story: she said the fact it was David had probably slipped her mind because the play was recorded in West Country accents, and she strongly associated David with his natural Scottish accent. West Country, huh? Now that's an accent I'd like to hear him do!

A Tragedy of Two Ambitions was broadcast on 7 Dec 1998 as the fourth of four episodes of Life's Little Ironies, a BBC Radio 4 Afternoon Play. It was 45 minutes in length. Other cast members were Alex Lowe, Abigail Docherty, Anthony Jackson, Susan Brown, and Charlie Simpson. Its producer was Clive Brill for Watchmaker Productions, and it was recorded at The Soundhouse in Shepherds Bush, London.

It's an audio play that I would dearly love to have in my collection. I've searched high and low. Unless someone recorded it back in 1998 and saved it, it's likely gone. But stranger things have happened. After all, old DW episodes are still being found, right?

Now - if you've stuck with me this long, I've got a goody to tell. But it's not about The Tragedy Of Two Ambitions - it's about The Island (and if you haven't listened to that play go forth and do it! It's a lovely piece). Rogers told me The Island was recorded on the Isle of Skye because with a small cast, it was often cheaper to record on location than rent a studio in London. The cast stayed at the Kinloch Lodge and recorded in the hotel and on a small private beach. But recording on location meant the cast couldn't access fancy sound effects, so sound effects were done on the fly. While on that private beach, Rogers said, the cast noticed a ruined rowing boat half-full of water. David splashed around in it when they needed watery effects. So when you listen to the play and you hear splashing water, that's our dear David!

And thus ends my story of the mystery of The Tragedy Of Two Ambitions (and the tiny treat of a behind-the-scenes story about The Island).

If anyone can find that audio, contact me. I beg of you!

[guhamun]

@nvrcmplt said (inbox):

Sat as prime as usual, the Hound awaits Nanami to finish what he needs, attention on the window and gaze far but his mind wandering from its duty of sorting through the emotions of human and curses to separate the two for hunting down later... Instead, his lash flutters and his head tilts, moving his gaze to Nanami's profile and enjoying the sight before catching himself and looking back to the window. It was a hard task being around his mate after so long, their reunion was of delight and his body still felt the warmth and bruised hand-prints on his hips, but it was a sensation that made his cheeks pinken at the moment. A subtle tail wag for one who understood his processes, but he had to dismiss the ideas. Awash with humoured relief that he was finally with his loved one again, he was once more back on target. Though he was curious. "If this world no longer had curses, where would you go, Nanami?"

SO FAR, NANAMI HADN’T caught any nearby curses. Sometimes they liked to lurk in alleyways, or even behind the occasional tree on the side of the street. Most of the time, those tended to be harmless unless you met their gaze, and when that happened, they glued themselves to that individual, following them in the same manner of yokai from legend. As a boy, he had seem them a great deal, instinctively knowing that he should never look directly at them no matter what garbled gibberish passed from their lips. He didn’t see anything right now, though. No looming figure out in the open, no grotesque figure partially obscured by shadows…

     Just a regular street.

     Busy, as Tokyo often always was. Good. Either the curses felt Nanami’s presence enough to stay away, or they were more than aware of Weissager and feared him as something more powerful than themselves, thus keeping their distance from this entire vicinity. Either way, Nanami was just glad that the people who lived near and around him were safe. ❝It looks like this area is still in the clear. I was worried that some curses might eventually try to move in since I did feel something a few days ago, but I suppose they must have left.❞ A small sigh of relief escaped him, Nanami’s gaze shifting over to Weissager come their question. That was one that he had pondered many a time, his thoughts always trailing towards beaches with their bright, blue waves and the smell of sea salt hanging in the air. Sometimes he dreamt that he was on such a beach, the sun shining upon his face and his eyes closed as he merely existed.

     At peace…

     No thought of curses to be had.

     Maybe one day…he could do that with Weissager. Go somewhere nice and quiet, enjoy his life to the fullest. ❝I’ve always thought of going to Malaysia. I hear the beaches are a sight to behold. I even pondered having a house by the sea.❞ He laughed softly at the thought. It was silly, but how wonderful would it be to open your window and feel that cool ocean breeze against your face? ❝There’s nothing more calming than peering out into the distance and seeing that endless blue. When that time comes, I hope you’ll remain with me.❞ Nanami already knew the answer to that.

     Of course he would.

[pattons-second-cookie-v2]

The Blood That Binds Character Profile- Janus

Prologue | Relationship Map | Thomas

The second Profile is here, albeit a little later than I would’ve liked. I apologize. But here it is!! Janus’ backstory!!

Tag List: @sethlost @thearomanticsnake

TW: mentions of abuse, use of supernatural domination

Janus came from a line of privilege. He had a past life in England that entitled him to all the finer things. He immigrated to America at the first signs of tension in Germany, and quickly established himself as an eccentric salesman. He had a way with words that made others believe nearly anything he said. There wasn’t any lie he couldn’t make someone believe.

No one knows who Janus’ Sire is. It’s a fact even he himself refuses to share. Some theorize that it was a past love he killed shortly after the Embrace. Others that it was an undercover Anarch. Others still claim it was the Prince himself.

What matters is that Janus took to the gift of vampirism surprisingly fast. He was an efficient hunter, a master of his Disciplines, and a strong enforcer of the Masquerade. He earned himself a spot in the Inner Circle rather quickly. He did take the time to notice the handsome young Toreador being brought up alongside him. Thomas and his clumsy fledgling Roman were a pleasant site for Janus.

As time passed Janus’ strength and resolve grew. He was uncannily good at keeping his true intentions hidden from the rest of the Ivory Tower. He kept to himself most night, keeping an eye out for strays or signs of rebellion. By the end of the 1960s he had been instated as the new Sheriff of the Camarilla. This quickly drew his desire to find himself a Scourge/Hound to assist him.

It was a seemingly ordinary night in 1975 as Janus made a brief patrol around the city. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. That was until he picked up the faint trace of blood in the air outside a shabby apartment complex. Once inside, Janus could make out the sound of two people having a heated argument.

Following the sound to the third floor, clearing the others to ensure they were clear, he came across a ghastly sight. Two Kindred, one elbow-deep in the blood of a dying human on the floor. The other was just as bloodstained but appeared injured, as if he’d be thrown about rather heavily. Janus couldn’t help but notice the eery similarity between this vampire’s features and Roman’s. If he didn’t know better, he’d say they were brothers.

The Kindred kneeling over the human was clearly younger and less experienced. It was easy for Janus to subdue him, but for whatever reason he chose to leave this one alive. Perhaps he wanted to leave them to their mess. But he would not leave alone.

It took little convincing to get Remus on Janus’ side. It took even less to establish the Blood Bond. Remus has been Janus’ obedient guard dog for nearly 50 years. It was an uneasy adjustment to bring a Tzimisce into the Camarilla, but eventually a fragile peace was established. Janus always held the promise that Remus' time would come. Just a little more time. Just a little more blood. Patience. All in due time...

In the modern nights the two are inseparable, for better or worse. Remus follows Janus' every order, and Janus is always there to clean up Remus' mess. Combatting Anarchs and Sabatt, removing strays, accomplishing Blood Hunts set by the Prince. Whatever the tasks, the Sheriff and Hound were quick to see it done.

Their next mission: Observe Roman as he is given his next trial.

[definitelyimportantpost]

Introducing the fine five members of Meriband (most of which are only temporary)...

Berry, who will be our Dragoon, and eventual Cannon Bearer. (I've always liked this Dragoon portrait, but nobody ever seems to give it much love >_>)

Terry, who will be our Fencer! Don't get attached to him, though. You see why in time.

Denica, who will be our Rover and eventual Hunting Hound! (Fun fact: her pretty little face is also my profile pic most everywhere on the internet that isn't here. If you ever see me/her around, say hi, why don'tcha!)

Pearl, our Botanist who you also should not get attached to!

Louisa, our OTHER Rover who will also not have the pleasure of being a permanent fixture!

[l3m0ngal5]

Vasilia:Sittin' here all alone

On a throne

In a palace that I happen to own

Bring me some pheasant

Keep it on the bone

Fill my goblet up to the brim

Sippin' on mead and I spill it on my dress

With the gold lace trim

Not very prim and proper

Can't make me stop

I wanna go hunting, any takers?

I'm not fake 'cause I've got acres and acres

Paid for with my own riches

Where my hounds at? Release the bitches

(Woof)

Everyday

Head back for a round of croquet, yeah

'Cause I'm a playa

And tomorrow, I'll hit replay

You, you said that I tricked ya

'Cause I, I didn't look like my profile picture

Too, too bad I don't agree

So I'm gonna hang it up for everyone to see

And you can't stop me 'cause

I'm the queen of the castle

Get down, you dirty rascal

Get down

Get down

Get down you dirty rascal

Get down

Get down

'Cause I'm the queen of the castle

When I get bored

I go to court

Pull up outside in my carriage

Don't got no marriage

So I have a little flirt with the footman

As he takes my fur

As you were

Making my way to the dance floor

Some boys making advance

I ignore them

'Cause my jam comes on the lute

Looking cute

Das ist gut

All eyes on me

No criticism

I look more rad than Lutheranism

Dance so hard that I'm causin' a sensation

Okay ladies, let's get in reformation

You, you said that I tricked ya

'Cause I, I didn't look like my profile picture

Too, too bad I don't agree

So I'm gonna hang it up for everyone to see

And you can't stop me 'cause

I'm the queen of the castle

Get down, you dirty rascal

Get down

Get down (You dirty rascal)

Get down

Get down

'Cause I'm the queen of the castle

Now I ain't sayin' I'm a gold digger

But check my prenup, and go figure

Got gold chains

Symbolic of my faith to the higher power

In the fast lane

My horses can trot up to 12 miles an hour

Let me explain

I'm a wiener schnitzel, not an English flower

No one tells me I need a rich man

Doin' my thing in my palace in Richmond

You, you said that I tricked ya (Tricked ya)

'Cause I (I), I didn't look like my profile picture (No no)

Too, too bad I don't agree (Too bad I don't agree)

So I'm gonna hang it up (hang it up, hang it up) for everyone to see

And you can't stop, you can't stop me 'cause

I'm the queen of the castle

Get down, you dirty rascal

Get down (Yeah, c'mon, ha!)

Get down (Get down with me)

Get down you dirty rascal

Get down (It's Anna of Cleves)

(Aha-ha-ha, get)

Get down (Ow!)

'Cause I'm the queen of the castle

Vicilia had the perfect accent for this And I know it would just sound amazi still love this

[malsfefanfics]

OC Profile: Rigel

art by @/nessiemccormick, edited down to icon size by me

"You want to know about Rigel? Well, I know as much about him as you might. He almost never leaves Rosamund's side. Other dogs naturally gravitate towards him and his Master. It might sound strange, but the dog reminds me of a certain retainer...." -- Edelgard, about Rigel

Full name: Rigel von Vestra Nickname: Good Boy, Fluffybum (Medee), Little Brute (Hubert, affectionate) Birthday: Day 26th, Verdant Rain Moon Breed: Vestra Great Hound Titles: Most Loyal of Canines

Likes: Hunting, Meat, Rosamund and her allies, Other Dogs, Children, Loud prolonged howling type noises, Mud Dislikes: Marquis Vestra, People who smell like graveyards,

Recruit Requirements: Must have Rosamund in your House. Once you recruit Rosamund, Rigel will be available to interact with around the Monastery. He is often either right beside his master, or in nearby locations to her proximity.

QUEST: Gift of the Hound's Eye

Rigel will need your help locating specific items and returning them to their rightful owners. For every returned item, you'll receive x10 of whatever material you're in need of for forging. Once all have been complete, you'll receive a special item; The Hound's Eye, a bow that is particularly strong yet light. Increases hit rate by 10%.

QUEST: A Gift from Master to You (Verdant Wind Exclusive)

Rigel is tasked with delivering presents from Rosamund to specific units during the Ethereal Moon. If you complete this task, you'll open up the Rosamund Paralogue "Six Broken Harpstrings", as well as receive 500 gold and some Meat.

QUEST: Lessons in Having Understanding (Crimson Flower Exclusive)

Rigel needs your help finding an item Rosamund has misplaced and is desperate to find. She won't say what it is, but Rigel seems to have an idea where to begin looking. Completing this quest unlocks the Rosamund Paralogue "Odd Bloom Out", as well as receive 500 gold and some Meat.