#[is still playing through the games of which he features prominently in]

[magistius]

the only thing keeping me going man

[clairdelunelove]

winning game

itadori yuuji x f!reader

genre: fluff (gamer!yuuji drabble!)

warnings: suggestive, broad gamer lingo, 2k words

synopsis: yuuji's great at everything and, unsurprisingly, he's an amazing gamer. but what happens when he gets a little– say– distracted?

a.n. woAH who wrote this?! hehe but hear me out, I luv watching streams and I lowkey game on the side soo, this was expected. this was HEAVILY inspired by @r5x95r13ros's beautiful art. I apologize for the person I became while writing this. but oh my gosh, did it change me. (⁄ ⁄•⁄ω⁄•⁄ ⁄)

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gamer!yuuji who begs you to sit on his lap while he's gaming because he loves the way you feel on him

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gamer!yuuji who normally doesn’t mind any type of video game genre. it’s fun! just a little hobby that helps him destress after a long day. as long as he has friends that are willing to play, he’s satisfied. however, it’s rather interesting that he seems to do exceptionally well in fps games. it could be due to the fact that he has reflexes like no other. he can and will adapt to any situation, regardless of the fact that he might not have the most experience in the game or he’s still learning the basics. focuses on minor details; like an enemy’s character model glitching through the wall or hearing their footsteps on the floorboards. any hint that’ll pinpoint his enemies location. which is 100% why he’d have his volume turned up to the max. also, he’s a proficient learner. think of him as the type of person that’s automatically skilled at a game even if he’s never played it before. even in real combat, he just has a knack of strategizing ten steps ahead of the enemy team and wins rounds because of it. and he doesn’t possess a competitive drive like some of the ‘rage-quitters’ on his team but he locks in if he manages to make a mistake. he’ll express a sincere, “my bad!” and then douse the entire opposition the next round, making it to the top of the leaderboard. he has this adorable habit where if he unlocks an incredibly rare achievement and you compliment him on the feat, he’ll tilt his head in confusion. just doesn’t grasp how impressive he is. yet he feeds into your praise like if you had a carrot on a stick. beams at you and cheers, “did you see that? did you think it was cool? I can do it again, watch!” 

gamer!yuuji who tries his hardest to stay quiet while he’s on a voice call with friends but you know it won’t last long. you’re relaxing on his small dorm bed, stretched out while scrolling through your phone, and he’s situated at his desk. there’s a controller cradled in his slender fingers. it’s his preferred way of playing fps games and it’s definitely not the easiest (or most frequently used method) but he’s told you that he enjoys the challenge. doesn’t mind not having hotkeys or easy movement to aid him throughout gameplay. hence, causing his skill to be that much more impressive. the neon colors of his pc illuminate the darkened room, creating a glow around his sharp features and his concentration on the screen in front of him gives you the (very) necessary time to appreciatively stare. he’s clad in the dark, hooded zip up jacket that you gifted him for his birthday. you don’t question the logic of how he can hear when his headphones are over the hoodie that’s haphazardly draped over his pink hair. gaze flitting downward, you’re gnawing on your lower lip when the black tank top yuuji’s wearing does little to conceal his collarbones and the prominent dip of his chest. and the attractive sight is almost enough for you to excuse the raucous callouts that leave his lips. “flanking in,” he announces as he subconsciously leans closer to his screen to get a better view, “crap! they’re baiting! to your right!” and he tries to lessen the intensity of his voice– he really does– but he’s caught in the thrill of being the last person alive on his team. 

gamer!yuuji who’s justification for loading into another match is, “it’ll be quick, promise!” he always keeps his promises to you and this is no exception. though, through his headphones, his friends are loudly pleading for him to play another round. and you just don’t have the heart to tell yuuji to turn their request down. “you can play another, yuu. I can wait,” you suggest with a knowing smile. he moves to pull the headset’s mic away and his lips are pulled into a small frown. his words are soft as he asks, “you sure? I can always tell them I gotta spend time with my girl, ya know. they’ll understand.” and there’s a heat that engulfs you at his casual endearment for you that he uses with his friends. you hum, aware that yuuji deserves to relish in some alone time, “yup! don’t worry, I’ll still be here when you’re done.” after your answer, he seems to contemplate your decision because his brows are furrowed. there’s a sharp glint in his eyes that you recognize and know that he’s come up with a consensus. finally, he leans in his seat to press a delicate kiss on your cheek and murmurs a proposal that benefits the both of you, “sit on my lap for this round, will you? jus’ wanna hold you while I’m playing.” and to prove his point, he swivels his chair in your direction. it's a dangerous game he's playing but he hasn't caught on yet. instead, he moves to spread his legs to make enough room for you, his sweatpants causing the motion to be effortless, and ushers you to him with a pat to his thigh. 

gamer!yuuji who doesn’t feel the slightest bit of embarrassment or shame when his friends clown him over voice chat for whispering sweet nothings into your ear. he’s enamored by you! thinks that he received a literal blessing when the two of you started dating because, like, you’re perfect! and if you don’t share his sentiment then he’ll continually show you that you’re the only one for him. thus, he feels obligated to remind you every single chance he has. “you’re so pretty,” he coos when you’re seated on his lap. his chest is pressed against your back and quite frankly, it’s almost too surreal for him. this angle is, also, absolutely ideal for him to shower you with the praise and attention that you deserve. and goodness, yuuji makes certain of it. he implores you by lifting your chin with his index finger, his touch is gentle. however, the gaze that he settles upon you is heavy. “the prettiest,” he slurs, “all f’me, right?” and this man has his mic unmuted the entire time. of course his friends are quick to tease him, tossing in their own complaints of, “c’mon man!” or “get a room, lovebirds!” but yuuji’s on cloud nine when you’re in his lap like this. you, on the other hand, are the epitome of flustered. you’re reminded of the breadth of his physique because while he’s not necessarily the biggest male in the world, he’s still brawny. with his sleeves pushed up to his forearms, he reaches around you to grab his controller again and utters a teasing, “aw, you guys are haters,” to his friends. unperturbed by their protests, he leans closer, lulled by your saccharine perfume, and rests his head on your shoulder. just a moment of peace shared between the both of you. his arms come around to encase you in a warm embrace, sweetly asking if you’re comfortable, and before long he’s loading up into another game. 

gamer!yuuji who, while waiting for his teammates to rez him, rests his large hands on your thighs. it’s almost alarming how natural the action is. the scenario that usually happens is that he ends up swearing when his character dies, places his controller down, and dives right back into latching onto your thighs. finds pleasure in how soft you are between his strong fingers. “you need anything? water? snacks?” he asks, ready to do anything for your comfort. his fingertips lovingly trace circles on the curve of your upper thighs as he waits for your answer. a mischievous grin dances on his face when he quickly adds, “more kisses?” and his eagerness causes you to giggle as you teasingly push him away when he drifts toward you. “if you win the game I’ll give you a kiss,” you offer and his eyes light up at your words. but then he’s pouting, “but I haven’t kissed you all day!” and you would’ve felt guilty, given his wide eyes and somber dip of his pretty lips, if it wasn’t for the fact that he already has. “you just gave me a kiss, yuu,” you remind him while you’re still comfortably tucked into his chest. “that was just a kiss on the cheek,” he clarifies and huffs like it was obvious, “let me make it up to you now.” but he’s interrupted by one of his friends hollering for him to focus and you’re a fit of giggles when he outwardly sulks. “they need their star player,” you croon. 

gamer!yuuji who’s reduced to sloppy aim/bad callouts because you’re whispering praises and pressing hot kisses on his neck. you didn’t think it’d end up like this but you can’t help but purr, “did so good, yuu. I’m so proud of you,” when he manages to wipe the opposing squad. and at the recognition, he readjusts himself in his seat and nods to himself. like he’s not expecting the low drawl in your tone. or how warm you are in his lap. there’s a foggy daze in his eyes when you angle yourself closer to him so it’d be easier to cheer him on. “hah, you’re proud of me?” he repeats, eyes glued to the screen in hopes of hearing your pretty voice again. you hum, drawing yourself into the junction of his neck and pressing a sticky kiss at the sensitive spot, “mhm, so proud.” he almost drops his controller, scrambling to regain hold on it, and clears his throat at his mishap when his friends comment on it. his ears are tinged red and he weakly breathes out your name. a warning? a plea for more? you’re not sure but it’s hypnotic the way his eyes droop until they’re half-lidded. it’s when you nip at his neck that he smacks a hand over his mouth to muffle the groan that threatens to leave his lips. “not fair,” he rasps as he misses his shots due to your teasing. his team is losing and their star player is slowly losing his concentration the more the match goes on. you trail kisses along the expanse of his neck, reveling in how he squirms from underneath you. he’s melting. fully dizzy when you press another open-mouthed kiss below his jaw. the game ends with yuuji winning but that’s not his biggest victory at the moment. scrambling to mute himself on his mic, he pivots his attention to you, big brown eyes captivated in yours, and pleads, “please kiss me, baby.” his voice is syrupy and thick, like it’s cemented in his throat. the headphones that he wears are immediately discarded. his hands automatically trail down to hold onto your waist, coercing you even closer in his tight hold. he hovers above your glossy lips, fully mesmerized, and he sweetly begs some more, “please.” 

gamer!yuuji who decides it’s his turn to punish you with his own teasing since he won the game. his hands are all over you, smearing along your body in an attempt to memorize the shape. then, he lifts you up, manhandling you so that your legs are on either side of him. now, you’re finally facing him. he does it with ease. a swoop of his strong arms and you're exactly where he wants you. “this’ll be better,” he voices, mostly to himself. likes the weight of you on him. keeps him grounded. yet you can’t help but notice that even his voice is intoxicating. desperate. it almost borders a groan. he gently presses down on your thighs, efficiently laying you over his lap so you’re flush against him. a slow exhale passes his lips at the contact and you’re hyper-sensitive to how rough the fabric of his sweatpants are. hot, heavy– him. he huffs, amused yet greedy, when you weakly whine. and he considers that his earlier speculation was correct. you’re the prettiest like this; cheeks flared with desire and fingers needily tugging at him. he’s not any better. blushy hair a tousled mess and a tinge of red dusting across his face. there are hearts in his eyes. the air between the two of you is suffocating. but he breathes you in like he’s deprived and he’s finally getting his fill now. “gonna let me play with you now, pretty girl?” his breathing is raspy, rising at the ends of it like you have a grip on him that you’re unaware of. he brings a calloused hand up and drapes it along your neck. it's so large in comparison that his thumb brushes along your nape. feels you gulp beneath the press of his fingertips and you're going cross-eyed from mapping out the veins on his hands. and he might ask you about it after. or he might use it as leverage later on. a fact is known though. unknowingly, you flipped a switch within him and this time he won’t lose.

[urfavoritewriter]

Deep Down, Sky High

Content: M/M Vore, Male Pred, Male Prey, Digestion, Same-Size Vore.

Likes & Reblogs are appreciated!

Jackson leaned against the cramped airplane bathroom counter, a sly smirk playing across his lips. The gentle hum of the plane engines was punctuated by the soft gurgling coming from his belly, which bulged noticeably under his fitted hoodie. The chiseled contours of his abdomen were only exaggerated by the unusual distention, every ridge and dip of his muscles more pronounced.

With his free hand, he pulled out his phone, opening the camera app. In the dimly lit space, he adjusted himself to get the best angle. Lifting the hem of his hoodie, he revealed his distended abdomen. The shape was undeniable; there, just above his navel and slightly to the right, was a pronounced bulge, the unmistakable outline of a head pressing softly against the taut skin. You could almost see the despair etched in the features compressed against his toned stomach.

"Guess you should've remembered to lock the door, huh?" Jackson whispered, addressing the subtle movements from within, the almost imperceptible shifts of discomfort. He trailed a finger down from the tip of the head bulge, tracing its path along the curve of his belly, feeling the shivers it induced inside.

He aimed his camera at the mirror, ensuring that his face and the distinct bulge were both in view. The tight confines of the bathroom only accentuated the size of his stomach, making it appear even more prominent. A flash pierced the dimness as he snapped the picture.

His fingers rapidly moving on the screen's keyboard, typing a caption for his new snapshot, "Note to self: always lock the door at 30,000 feet." With a chuckle, Jackson admired his handiwork for a moment before saving the image, a little keepsake for himself, and then posting it to his close circle.

Taking one last glance at the mirror, he gave his belly a more forceful pat, feeling the muffled protest from within. "Hang tight," he teased, pressing down right where the head-shaped bulge was, eliciting a frantic series of squirms and movements. "We've still got a few hours left in this flight."

Jackson, taking a deep breath, nudged the bathroom door open. Stepping out into the dimly lit aisle.

As he began to make his way back to his seat, he could feel every jolt and tremor of the plane resonate through the heavily distended belly under his hoodie. Each step sent a light ripple across the protruding form, the undeniable shape of a person compressed within the confines of his muscled abdomen. It was like walking with an overinflated beach ball strapped to him.

The fabric of his hoodie strained, attempting to accommodate the bulk beneath it. The pronounced shape of a head, arms, and even the bend of knees were visible, making him feel slightly self-conscious. He could sense eyes on him, fellow passengers probably attributing his appearance to overeating or some medical condition. But Jackson was in too deep now; there was no turning back.

He reached his row, pausing for a moment. The challenge of sitting with such a significant addition to his physique suddenly dawned on him. He angled himself, attempting to slide past the passenger next to the aisle. The tightness of the space forced his belly to brush up against the stranger, causing another series of frantic movements within. Jackson whispered a quick apology for the disturbance, his face coloring slightly.

Once at his seat, Jackson faced his next challenge: how to sit. He turned, angling his hips and trying to slowly lower himself into the tight airplane seat. His belly's girth, however, made the process a game of adjustment. The armrest dug into his side, prompting a small grunt of discomfort. The buckling of the seatbelt was another ordeal, the strap barely reaching around the expansive midsection.

Finally settled, Jackson leaned back, allowing his hoodie to ride up just a tad, revealing the bottommost part of his belly. The dim overhead light cast a shadow, highlighting the clearly defined silhouette of the person inside him. He placed a hand atop the most prominent bulge, feeling the heat emanating from it, the soft, muffled pleas for release.

Breathing heavily from the exertion and feeling the compressive force from the tight airplane seat, Jackson let out a sigh.

He reclined in his seat, feeling the gentle throb and pulse of the human within his belly. He placed an earbud into one ear, leaving the other free to enjoy the symphony of muffled pleas and the subtle sounds of his digestive system at work. Picking up his phone, he began scrolling through a playlist to listen to on his XM4.

Leaning his head close to his prominent belly, he whispered softly, "Hey there, you comfy? Probably not the flight experience you were expecting, huh?" A muted squirm replied to him, making him grin. "You know, I was going to watch a movie, but I think feeling you break down might be the best in-flight entertainment I've ever had."

Jackson began flicking through the in-flight entertainment system. Choosing a thriller. As the film progressed, Jackson ordered a fizzy drink from the passing cart, sipping it slowly. Each gulp sent more liquid down, making his belly gurgle in response. "There you go," he chuckled. "A little mixer for the main course. Hope you like cola."

An hour or so into the flight, feeling a bit peckish, Jackson decided to order some in-flight snacks. Munching on peanuts, he said, "You must be getting lonely in there. Don't worry, you'll have some company soon." Finishing his snack and sipping on his drink, he felt a gentle burp rising. "Excuse me," he murmured with a smirk, thinking of the added pressure the trapped air would cause inside.

Throughout the flight, between reading a bit, occasionally nodding off, and enjoying his music, Jackson continuously returned to the sensation in his gut. Each little squirm, each desperate push against his abdominal walls, just added to his satisfaction.

Jackson, feeling the descent of the airplane, adjusted his seat. The jostling from the change in altitude made his belly quiver, and he could feel an especially desperate set of wriggles from within, almost as if the person inside had some hope of escape as the plane touched down.

Leaning in, Jackson smirked as he whispered, "You feeling that? We're touching down in Ibiza. Ever been? Well, I guess this isn't the way you imagined visiting, huh?" He chuckled softly, feeling more pronounced movements as the realization hit his unwilling passenger.

"Beautiful beaches, amazing nightlife, and my favorite, the sizzling sun," Jackson continued, his voice dripping with mischief. "You and I, we're gonna spend a lot of time on those beaches. Just think about it. While I'm basking in the sun, catching a tan, you'll be in here," he tapped his swollen midriff, "experiencing a whole different kind of heat. The summer sun outside and the burning acids inside. A real tropical getaway for you."

He felt another series of frantic pushes against his belly wall, and he tightened his abdominal muscles in response, constraining his prey even further. "Oh, by the way, Ibiza might be your destination, but this," he patted his gut, "is your final stop. The last destination of your journey. I hope you're prepared for the coming days."

Jackson grinned, relishing the idea of parading around with his swollen belly, feeling every jolt, every pang of the digestive process. "It's gonna be a long, brutal few days for you," he added with a dark chuckle. "And by the time I'm ready to head back, well...you'll have become a permanent part of my vacation memories."

[weirdmageddon]

the new zeltik video finally pushed me over the edge and made the connections between the bunch of details i noticed throughout totk seem more significant than i already thought they were. by myself i was hovering around these connections i came upon like “is this anything?” for a while, but after the video i was like “ok this is something”

alongside the theme of hands, i also noticed a secondary and more minor theme of blood and siphoning/circulation

most importantly

rauru rips into ganon’s chest with his bare hand like a badass to bind ganondorf’s heart, suck away and purify his dark magic. (btw and Not importantly ganondorf still has rauru’s finger holes in him and it’s pretty funny)

gloom seeps out from organically branching root-like structurs in the depths. if you watch closely you can see gloom slowly move inside them. they all seem to lead back to gloom’s lair where ganondorf is absorbing them. this is very evident in the cutscene where you finally make it to ganondorf himself and they show a close-up of this through thicker branches of these “gloom vessels”

gloom sucks away vitality from a person. fittingly, whenever a heart container is damaged due to gloom, you hear a heartbeat. gloom hands visibly siphon this vitality in more of a physical way. if you watch them they will sort of grotesquely pulsate when sucking the Juices out of link

is gloom ganondorf’s dark-magic infused blood? when the edge of the master sword cut mummydorf’s face, instead of blood it oozed gloom which boiled after making contact with a chip of the sword. rather than being magenta gelatin like malice, gloom is red and flat, staining surfaces like a liquid

phantom ganon is made entirely out of gloom. the compendium says it’s made from “the demon king’s own flesh and blood”. the dark clumps left behind from the gloom spawn/phantom ganon (with the depths talisman on them i guess to turn it into gloom antibodies lol??) also pulsate like monster guts

my idea is that this all goes back to those roots that pump this back to ganondorf to revitalize him. he was siphoned by rauru, now he siphons others to revitalize himself. there’s a lot of details put into this no way it isn’t connected

btw i didnt notice it at first but the landing pad for gloom’s lair is shaped like a heart like actually. it shouldve been stupid obvious

the gloom system is like a reverse circulatory system. instead of nurturing the periphery from a central location, it drains the periphery and delivers the nutrients to a central location. so like, oops! all veins. apparently after writing this i found an identical point from a forum post made ONLY YESTERDAY

“real world cardiovascular systems deliver vitality to the rest of the body from a centric location, while Gloom drains vitality from its surroundings and delivers it to a centric location”

and this “nurturance” line of thought made me remember how I thought at one point that the lightroots look a bit like hearts and the big roots are like the vessels. it wasn’t really a significant thought at the time until I made these newer connections. if we put them into my analogy, they would be the opposite to the gloom vessel system since they deliver light from the surface and emit it to the periphery (the surrounding area). i associate light with rauru, and he healed/nurtured link, so there’s just parallels and another reason that made me think of the lightroots. also the lightroots heal gloom-damaged heart containers

there are more minor but supplementary details such as

the sound of a heartbeat is featured very prominently in the E3 2019 teaser, and is literally the first noise in the game itself as the opening screens play. so it’s literally the first experiences we have with the game, both the game itself and in the meta about the game.

gaining an essence from a goddess statue, the heartbeat was not in botw (and of course neither was the miasma emitting from link’s entire body every time)

the gloom in link’s body reacts to every shrine of light blessing he absorbs into his arm and the joycons themselves pulse using the haptics

probably more shit i missed lol

the whole thing doesn’t really mean anything significant to the lore at all but neither does the hands theme. but it’s just definitely a pattern, potentially a minor theme, and deliberate choice in setting tone. i think it’s Something. im not a heavy zelda theorist tuber or anything but i’m very observant of patterns and i like to share them for deeper appreciation and contemplation/discussion

[bonzos-number-1-fan]

TMAGP 17 Thoughts: Hyde and Seek

Another really great episode. Of all the episodes thus far I think this one is the grandest in scope in terms of the series as a whole. It's opened up some very large topics.

Spoilers for episode 17, and light spoilers for TMA, below the cut.

First things first, Celia is blacking out and waking up in strange places again. A lot of reasons why this could be but as I believe I mentioned for TMAGP 11 Thoughts I thought the side-effects of dimension-hopping was a possibility. Given what this episode is about I think it's at least trying to imply a connection if not outright stating one.

Celia missed the date because blackouts but interestingly enough she didn't lie during this exchange. At least assumption I didn't miss any distortions, and those distortions are for lies. Anyway this was all very sweet and mushy but does have a pertinent detail. Celia was on her way to Oxford, a location prominently featured in the incident. Whether that's related of just some nice narrative symmetry remains to be seen, but we do see it's at least intentional.

The incident itself is our second Magnus statement. It's a really really good statement too. One of my favourites of the series so far, if not my favourite. It opens with a similar format to the last one and again mentions subject/agent/catalyst viability. All low. Then we get a mention of Welling Mutare Materia and "Mutare Materia" is something like "Changing Matter" and it's hard not to see the alchemic allusion in that. The set up is a, as yet unnamed, patient receiving therapy for anger issues. But that's probably the least interesting thing about this entire scene.

The most interesting thing is the thing everyone is collectively screaming about.

Anyway, there was a new receptionist behind the old front desk, some big, soft looking guy who stumbled over every word... ...There was another patient too, some bookish-looking guy with serious city miles. I used to play the game “what are you in for” where I would pass the time guessing… well, you know. In my head he was definitely some kind of weird pervert, really into stroking orchids or something.

I'm not going to get too into why those descriptions are important. If you know you know and I don't need to tell you. If you don't I'd rather not. Although I will say that it's very obvious that second one is who we all think it is. Or it's at least what we're meant to think. Alex wrote this episode and "some kind of weird pervert, really into stroking orchids" is the kind of insult you know he's revel in writing for a character like this. It also implies a lot, or absolutely nothing. Because it could be coincidence. It could be that they are responsible for the whole thing. It could just be setting the stage for what's to come. Which is what I think this is. It's an episode about interdimensional travel and it's just prepping the audience to know that's a thing that can happen. Reminding us who it could happen to. As if we've forgotten.

The patient meditates and then a lot of time seems to pass. A lot a lot. Interdimensional travel always involves time fuckery. What's interesting about it is that it doesn't ever seem to work the same way twice. Anya was a week or so, Celia was years, and this guy seemingly just sat there for weeks instead of moving in time like the others have appeared to. The methodology of this is also new where there wasn't any gap between walks to slip through, he stayed still the whole time and then woke up somewhere different. However when he meets this universe's version of himself there doesn't seem to be any significant time slip to mention. Dates in their lives don't line up quite right, which is expected, but he doesn't appeared to have travelled in time in any major way.

This does all take place in Oxford. Which is where Hilltop Road is but it doesn't appear as if the patient was at Hilltop Road for this. As we've seen previously with Hilltop it doesn't look like it works as it does in TMA here. It does seem like the Magnus Institute is monitoring Oxford for these types of events though, even if they're not happening in quite the same place. If that is the case it could also be the case that they're sending things back too. Hell, Dr. Dumfries could be in on it and sending the Institute lab rats.

I'm going to skip over most of the meat of this statement. It was really well done but really quite explicit and as such there isn't a lot for me to dig into. I don't want to explain to you what you just listened to when it's all pretty plain. But it was really great and I do want to mention that.

We do learn that his name is Darrien. The other Darrien is also Darrien. And that makes this episode the introduction of our second and third Darrien. Futures also had a Darrien who was also kind of a twat. Which is interesting. Firstly because TMA has a habit of naming characters similar names and it never meant anything. People just had similar names because people have similar names sometimes. However, our beloved Norris used to be called Neil in the pilot. But Neil is now Norris because there was another Neil. Which means one of two things to me, either Darrien, Darrien, and Darrien, are all Darrien because it's vitally important. Or Alex is fucking with up. Because it's Alex it could as likely be either.

Last thing to mention I do love how this one ends. Darrien is so sure of himself and how protected he is but we know he's locked up in a research prison from the jump. The Institute is also clearly larger than it was in TMA. More resources, more pull, more power. Love getting to see all those details bit by bit.

Interesting note here: Harcourt House isn't the Harcourt House that I think most people will have looked up on Google. This isn't in London, it's in Oxford. This is Stanton Harcourt. Which has some reputation for hauntings and cursed romances. Totally not relevant for anything going on in this episode. No sir.

Celia thanking Freddy/Chester is also interesting. She's obviously more aware of everything than the rest of the team is, and she's got history with those voices, but she's also the first to really acknowledge how pointed these incidents are. There is a very consistent theme of incidents connecting to the teams current situation or desires. I hope we get to see more of this from her where she's more aware that there a personality at play rather than just a voice.

We cap off with a lovely bit of banter between Alice and Gwen where they almost don't try to kill each other. It was very sweet. And obviously an episode with all this going on couldn't leave out a good ol' .jmj error to really hammer it home.

Also, Colin's not dead. Maybe.

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Incident/CAT#R#DPHW Master Sheet and Terminology Sheet

Klaus Watch: We're back with a very exciting Klaus Watch. Row 20 has CAT2RC1147 and no date, location, or notes. I lied about it being exciting.

DPHW Theory: 1147 is interesting. Because crosslinks do seem to impact DPHWs based on the two Bonzo episodes but Mascot (Kids) -/- Murder was at 2275. Which implies that Mascot (Kids) has 2 in Death and Pain as default and that Murder doesn't increase those values. It does seem to increase Helplessness though which is something that makes a good deal of sense at least.

CAT# Theory: CAT2 is very CAT2. While it fits with the most popular theory, well enough at least, I just wrote an essay entitled Putting the CAT# Back in the Bag: The Flaws With Person/Place/Object if anyone is interested.

R# Theory: C is inline with my ideas. Very easy to discount this as entirely fiction.

Header talk: Doppleganger (Interdimensional) -/- Murder is a very interesting one. These are all existing categories so interdimensional doubles are things the OIAR have dealt with in the past. So dimension hoppers aren't anything new and with everything that's happened this episode I think we're going to see a lot more of it, and characters that are a lot more knowledgeable about it than our protagonists.

[neutron-stars]

I would first like to start by saying yes to your GC and the anons who are sending in spicy ideas. I have, however, another one.

In this universe all rookies do this for a year, right? Well what if after Rykers rookie year he comes in ready to mesh with the team, a little sad that his time with Vince is done, but accepting and even eyeballing a rookie or two himself.

But then Vince reaches out and pulls him down on his lap, spreads Rykers thighs open with his hands, and palmed Rykers crotch.

"You're still mine pretty boy."

oh HELLO more delicious prompts in my inbox WHAT A TREAT

context for this: in my canon of this verse there's a hierarchy over who gets to use the rookies: cup winners and captains are highest, then alternates, then other hardware winners, then by # of games played. the formal definition of "rookie" in this verse is 82 NHL games played, but if a team has no numerically eligible rookies up then the position of "free use rookie" defaults to the player with the least games played.

full fic eventually but here's a snip under the cut. can be read while listening to mr brightside for best results

Ryker starts to come a little bit undone on the third day of camp. He knows it shouldn’t bother him, but…it’s the new draft pick. Catton, he’s called, and the D-men have taken to calling him “Little Cat”, an obvious play on Lars’ nickname. He’s young, bright, talented. And ever since camp started, Vince has been circling him like a vulture. Ryker can admit it- he’s jealous. For all the teasing and toying and angst the older D-man put him through last year, Ryker misses being Vince’s little plaything. He liked being so blatantly wanted, taken, Vince’s claim so immediate and all-encompassing that there was no doubt among the rest of the room to whom he belonged. As a Cup winner, Vince was high in the hierarchy when it came to using the rookies. He had the right to throw his weight around, and he did. Tye was shared around the room, free use proper for whichever vets wanted him, whenever they wanted him. But Ryker belonged to Vince and only Vince. Vince made sure of that. Ryker watches the two of them now with searing intensity. Vince swirls around Catton, knocking at the kid’s skates, trying to muscle him off the puck. Catton is about Ryker’s height, got the same straight blond hair and blue eyes, and if Ryker lets his eyes unfocus and his mind wander just a little, it’s almost like watching himself in third person. Which Vince made him do once- put his own iPhone down across the room before putting Ryker on all fours and fucking him senseless, then making Ryker watch it back like they were fucking rolling tape. Ryker watches Vince and Catton now, first off the ice, feeling the jealousy simmer hot in his chest. He knows things are different now: Ryker’s got more than half a season under his belt; Ryker’s gonna make the opening night roster; Ryker should probably start thinking about how to play with the rookies for himself, though he knows he’ll be last in the pecking order for the foreseeable future. This is part of becoming a veteran, he tells himself- you can’t have change without loss. Ryker takes more than a few extra laps around the ice to cool his head down before making his way into the locker room. By the time he gets back, the locker room is already half-empty, most of the guys already having made their way into the showers. Prominently featured in his usual spot is Vince, with Catton kneeling- just literally kneeling, no cockwarming or anything- at his feet. Ryker swallows the sinking feeling in his stomach and makes his way quickly to his stall. He faces the wall as he strips off his jersey and shoulder pads with peak efficiency. He doesn’t have to make things harder for himself by looking more than he needs to. As he’s removing his elbow pads, he feels a warm, strong pair of arms wrap themselves around his stomach, pressing Ryker tight against their owner’s chest. He knows it’s Vince- can smell the expensive coconut shampoo Ryker once made the mistake of using. Vince’s arms spin Ryker around in one fluid motion so he’s facing forward and plopped down on top of the vet’s lap. “What- what are you doing?” Ryker asks, even as he relishes the way his stomach swoops. Across the room, Catton is staring at the two of them with wide eyes. Good, Ryker thinks. Let him watch. “Did you miss me, baby?” Vince whispers in his ear, planting a kiss to the back of Ryker’s neck. He snakes his hands up Ryker’s chest, cupping his pecs, rubbing thumbs over his nipples. Vince used to call them his tits, loved to play with them, dress Ryker up in pretty lace and call him babygirl. Ryker lets his eyes fall shut as he tries to keep himself from squirming. “I’m- I’m not a rookie anymore,” he breathes, in case Vince had forgotten. Ryker desperately hopes Vince won’t care. “You haven’t played 82 games yet, so you still count,” Vince croons, nibbling at Ryker’s ear, and Ryker thinks it’s the sweetest thing the man has ever said to him. “Not even 40 yet, right? Plus, until you get yourself a cup-” Vince nips hard, causing Ryker to squeak- “I’ll always pull rank over you, pretty boy. You’re mine.” Ryker’s dick kicks in his jock.

[lizardtheartist]

So I came up with a concept of my own multiverse night at the inventory thing, featuring ghost max….

We have 10 players in total: Sam, Demon Sam, Swap Sam, Samantha, Werewolf Sam, Max, Saint Max, Swap Max, Maxine, and our beloved Ghost Max.

The Sams and the Maxs both play at their own tables, talking to their own groups, like that extremely awesome Ao3 Fic, credit to the writer for coming up with that idea/srs.

Info about these certain multiverse sams and maxs:

Sam: just your average canon Sam, he’s been through all the stuff that happened in the games/cartoon/comics, he’s the Sam ever. Just this time, with a dead Max and an alive Max companions.

Demon Sam: After becoming the new ruler of the underworld, he’s decided to take it easy in life, or unlife? He doesn’t have as many Satan-y responsibilities as he thought he would, so he just hangs out with his very adorable angel husband. He has a more stern demeanor but he means well, I think? Him and Saint Max are called the Freelance Holy Ones. (Despite how unholy the two can really be)

Swap Sam: Sam but instead of being a more levelheaded detective, he’s almost just like normal Max in every way possible, yes, even height wise. Swap Sam is everything you could ever want in a rabid dog, he even probably has rabies. He loves to run around and cause trouble, he gets mistaken for a puppy sometimes due to his height and chubby physique. Him and Swap Max are still called the Freelance Police.

Samantha: Samantha (Sam for short but that gets confusing fast.) is literally just Sam but he’s wearing more feminine clothes. Honestly you could look at em and just assume it’s Sam in his drag persona. Samantha acts a bit more feminine than Sam as well, but not too much to make it obnoxious. I like to think she has a very nice and smooth middle age woman voice? I’m not sure how to explain it. Her and Maxine are still the Freelance Police as expected.

Werewolf Sam: This Sam has been a werewolf ever since he was little, inherited from his parents, he had the ability to transform into a werewolf during a classic full moon, but recently, as he’s gotten older, the werewolf part has since become more prominent and now he’s more werewolf than normal dog. He doesn’t entirely mind this, even though he has violent tendencies more often, he’s still a very wholesome and sweet guy, Max calls him his big ol’ dangerous teddy bear. Max is his werewolf caretaker, after formerly being a werewolf hunter, he decided to give up the job in order to support his Sam.

Max: Everyone’s favorite little lagomorph, he’s the same ol’ max from the ending of 305. We all know him, we all love him.

Saint Max: Saint Max is everything holy and good in the world, which is what he likes to think he is. Saint Max often acts nice and chipper, always seeing the best of EVERYTHING ever but underneath that thinly veiled self, there’s a thirsty little bastard gremlin who can be a brat sometimes. People think that some of Demon Sam had rubbed off on Saint Max, but no, that’s how he’s always been.

Swap Max: Swap Max is basically just Max but with Sam’s personality, but I made this personality slightly more edgy like Noir Sam. Why? Cus I thought it’d be interesting. Swap Max is still a rabbity thing, but he’s much taller now, he’s also bulked up slightly but not much. He still has a comedic side like Sam but it comes out a little less, but one thing I do know, is that he uses long winded words and sentences just like any normal Sam would.

Maxine: Maxine is EXACTLY like Max, in almost every way, she’s just Max with a bow around her neck and some yass queen earrings. Her voice is slightly raspier and her mannerisms have a touch of feminine traits, but she’s still just Max in a cute lil bow.

Ghost Max: Ghost Max is just Max before 305, coming back down from space, he hangs out with Sam and Max as their “ghost buddy” because they still haven’t gotten it through their thick skulls that the ghost is just Max. Ghost Max can play with both the Sams and the Maxs, because no one actually sees him, they just see floating cards that he’s holding. He’s equipped with a red marker, he can write simple words and drawings on a notepad or something. It’s supposed to look like blood but he didn’t have any spare blood on hand. Ghost Max has the ability to cheat and switch cards around. If this poker night game was a real thing, the player would probably be Ghost Max himself.

A quick look at the cast themselves:

(All credit for the multiverse poker idea goes to SofiaTheRandomDemon on Ao3, if you see this Sofia, your shit is written so well on GOD) (also credit to @impostorwhipplesshow for the insane idea of ghost max joining in on the poker stuff)

[papaya2000s]

The History of Korean Girl Groups' evolution over time - Before Liberation to Girls Generation (SNSD) -> Part 4

The way i am explaining the History of Girl Groups' may be a bit confusing again, as this project is still ongoing as I'm writing this, and I hope this will make sense. :) <3

In my previous post, I discussed the training of Kisaeng's before and during the Japanese colonial period, which eventually led to the formation of the first girl group in Korea. In this post, I will explore the activities of Kisaeng's after they completed their training.

How Kisaeng influenced the Entertainment Industry

Prior to delving deeper into Girl Groups, it is important to discuss the venues where their performances took place, as this marked the beginning of the transition from groups of girls performing to the emergence of Girl Groups. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the manner in which they performed has also evolved over time.

Group picture of IVE on stage. An example of a Girl Group on stage.

Numerous Kpop enthusiasts are familiar with the venues where their beloved idol groups and soloists showcase their talents weekly, providing the option to witness the performances either in person or through online streaming.

Watching live performances of idols has evolved significantly over time, influenced not only by technological advancements but also by the desire of many fans to witness their favourite artists in person. Personally, I have had the privilege of attending live shows of some of my favourite artists, and the experience is truly unparalleled.

Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 (2023) Episode 3 He said "A Mermaid". The song this is being played above is called Love Song by Kei if anyone wants to know.

The landscape of watching idols perform live, whether on grand stages, through busking, or at intimate venues, had transformed with the debut of new acts and the annual comebacks of of established groups and soloists.

Various music programs such as Inkigayo, Music Bank, Show! Music Core, M Countdown, Show Champion and the The Show continue top provide platforms for artists to showcase their talents. With each broadcasting company having its own show aired on different channels, the opportunities to witness live performances are abundant and divers.

I won't be addressing shows that are still on air or those that have already ended, as they are not relevant at this time.

The origin of the all-round were Kisaeng's

Kisaeng, the predecessors of today's celebrities, were known for their immense talent and ability to create scandals, which contributed to their enduring popularity. Despite their fame, Kisaeng always had retirement in mind, seeking a stable life and striving to expand their own influence, much like a multiplayer in a game. A prime example of this can be seen in their success as record singers, appearing in movies, and even making appearances on Gyeongseong radio broadcasts.

However, Kisaeng were also very protective of their private lives and would go to great lengths to maintain their beauty. During that time, magazines and newspapers treated them as modern pop stars rather than objects of feudal overthrow, highlighting their status in the entertainment industry.

During this era, Kisaeng belonging to Gwonbeon, a specific class, were prominently featured on radio music broadcasts. Some even recorded gramophone records, propelling them to become popular singers.

Fashion world embraces Korean style - Choi Eu-don and Im Sang-kyun. While the two names may not be familiar in Korean fashion circles, these designers are proving their potential in the larger landscape of the international fashion world.

Early movies also revolved around Kisaeng stars, showcasing their entertainment skills in various exhibitions and fairs. This responsibility fell upon Kisaengs from different classes. A clear illustration of their attempt to showcase themselves as a specialty of Joseon can be seen in their participation in the Paris World Exposition in 1900.

If anyone is wondering what the Paris World Exposition is, its a world's fair, its a large global exhibition designed to showcase the achievements of nations. These exhibitions vary in character and are held in different parts of the world at a specific site for a period of time, typically between three and six months.

An advertisement poster for the exhibition. Chōsen Industrial Exhibition (朝鮮物産共進会) was a colonial fair held in 1915 to mark the 5th anniversary of the establishment of Japanese Korea, and was the first official event of the new government. It was held in Keijō (Seoul) at Gyeongbokgung. Source Link - 1915 Seoul Exhibition

This event highlighted the significance of Kisaeng in the entertainment industry and their efforts to establish themselves as a unique aspect of Korean culture.

In my opinion this reminds me of how modern-day Kpop idols nowadays do modelling/acting in commercials, movies and series/being brand ambassadors and attend fashion events like Paris Fashion Week representing there country(s).

Kisaeng busking near Subway Stations

In the early days of the Gyeongin Railway, the company faced difficulties attracting passengers due to low customer numbers. To tackle this issue, they resorted to placing signs with the names of Kisaeng at major stations and organizing live performances to entice people to ride the trains. Moreover, Kisaeng themselves would travel in each train car, going between the departure and destination stations to further attract passengers.

Fusan railway station circa 1920-1930s. *Fusan also known as Busan. This article is about two foreign travellers in the 1920-30s that used the train while in Korea under the Japanese colonial period one being about a woman, Audrey Harris, a British travel writer who travelled by train from Antung (Dandong (��동;丹東), a Chinese city on the Yalu River, to Seoul, and John Patric an American and traveling to Seoul but got on the wrong train. I would give it a read as being able to read the perspective of two foreigners that visited Korean in the 1920-30s experienced while there.

During the Japanese colonial period, Kisaeng played a significant role in advertising, especially for beauty-related products. Their image as advertising models held great importance in quickly conveying messages. They were considered a social class that met the necessary criteria, and their presence in newspaper ads, magazines, event posters, and wave perms was widespread.

Before the perception of Kisaeng changed, they were seen as glamorous figures, similar to today's celebrities, with their beauty, singing, dancing, and intriguing life stories becoming popular topics of public discussion. They were trendsetters in terms of beauty, fashion, and makeup, surpassing ordinary women and being recognized as equivalent to today's female celebrities.

Pyongyang famous writer Kim Ok-ran's (김옥란) Ondan advertising poster. In Korean - 평양명기 김옥란의 은단 광고 포스터

It's evident that regular women in Joseon were envious of these individuals and desired to imitate them, which advertising agencies quickly picked up on. Initially, print ads didn't include photos, but models soon started appearing in ads during the 1920s and 1930s. By examining the products they endorsed, we can gain an understanding of the perception of Kisaeng that prevailed among the public at that time.

Kisaeng who worked as advertising models

Advertisements inspired by Kisaeng have a striking resemblance to today's marketing tactics. In the modern era, brands often choose female celebrities who perfectly embody their product image, even if it means paying a premium. One example of being worthy of being the best advertising model was the ‘Ulzzang Kisaeng’(얼짱 기생) Jang Yeon-hong (장연홍).

Jang Yeon-hong, a member of the Pyongyang Kwon clan, displayed her beauty and musical talents in the Changan region during the 1930s.

Jang Yeon-hong's photo, says, "With just one or two coats, rough spots, gaps, and wrinkles disappear like a dream, and the makeup is so dazzling that it suits anyone's skin."

The Yeocheon cosmetic beauty is expertly crafted to make you appear younger, with the advertising message creating a direct and personal connection by implying a whisper from a clean and pure image. The use of models like Jang Yeon-hong and other popular Kisaeng's such as Kim Young-wol (김영월) and Kim Hwa-jung-seon (김화중선), along with phrases like "My favourite non-activated soap," further reinforces the idea that the models themselves use the product, leading to envy and admiration for their flawless skin.

Kim Young-Wol's soap advertisement. I couldn't find any information about Kim Young-Wol only that she was maybe had the role of being dong Composition and arrangement for Kim Chun-Hee's (김춘희) song "Bouquet of  hopelessness" and that she belonged to the Dongrae Association in 1918 with many other famous Kisaeng's.

The Mihwal Soap advertisement cleverly taps into the desire for youthful beauty, with the gisaeng models symbolizing the ideal of pure white skin that was highly coveted during that era.

By associating the soap with these renowned beauties, the ad effectively communicates the message that using the product can help achieve the same level of beauty and radiance that was admired by all women at the time.

Hair ad star that looks like Jeon Ji-Hyun (전지현)

I couldn't find anything in Jeon Ji-Hyun (전지현), if someone finds something about her pleas tell me.

Who was Noh Eun-hong (노은홍;盧銀紅)?

Limited information is available about her, aside from the songs she performed with Kang Hong-sik during the Japanese colonial period, such as "Customer in the Wilderness" (孤客) and "Purification." (情花). These songs were popular at the time and were released on Columbia Records in Japan, with some recorded in collaboration with the Columbia Orchestra.

Kang Hong-sik (강홍식;姜弘植), also known as Kang Jin-hun (강진훈;姜秦薰), was a theatre actor in the 1930s who worked as an exclusive singer for Columbia. Born in 1907 or 1902 in Pyongyang, he passed away in 1971. He recorded new folk songs like “Joseon Taryeong” and “The Long Dawn Is Coming” during the Japanese colonial period. Kang Hong-sik mainly sang new folk songs composed by Jeon Ki-hyeon (전기현;全基玹), as mentioned in [Samcheonri] (1935). He was known for his work as a theatre actor and exclusive singer for Columbia, leaving a mark in the music industry during the 1930s.

The Kisaeng's exquisite beauty was not the only thing that caught people's attention, but also their lustrous hair, which became a focal point in advertisements. Noh Eun-hong (노은홍;盧銀紅), the model for the 'Hwawang Shampoo' advertisement, revealed her secret to achieving gorgeous hair with the Hwawang Shampoo.

The advertisement boasted that using this shampoo for just a week would not only uplift your spirits but also give your hair a radiant glow.

During the 1920s and 1930s, women relied on a limited range of cosmetics for their beauty needs. These included camellia oil, white powder, and rouge. Camellia oil, primarily used as a hair oil, was particularly important as it provided moisture without causing dryness. It played a crucial role in styling and maintaining long hair, eventually leading to the development of branded shampoos.

In the advertising landscape of that era, beauty-related product advertisements often featured popular Kisaengs. These advertisements predominantly showcased upper body or close-up photos that highlighted the face. The Kisaengs were dressed in hanboks and had their hair styled in a one-parted ponytail, even in shampoo commercials that aimed to emphasize silky hair.

Noh Eun-hong, a Pyongyang gisaeng who advertised Japanese Hwawang Shampoo (「Dong-A Ilbo」, August 14, 1935, advertisement). In Korean - ��본 화왕삼푸 광고를 한 평양기생 노은홍(「동아일보」 1935.8.14. 광고)

During that time, the Gwonbeon Kisaengs were actively involved in various fields such as broadcasting, music, movies, advertisements, and event assistance, much like today's celebrities. Kwon Beon played a role similar to that of a modern entertainment agency or manager.

Moreover, the Kisaengs were required to obtain a 'Kisaeng Business License' from the authorities, which can be compared to today's 'individual business registration certificate'. The similarities between the Gwonbeon Kisaeng's and today's celebrities are numerous, as Gwonbeon represented the artistic talents of the Kisaeng's who entertained through laughter and arts, dividing the profits in a 7:3 ratio.

During that era, Gwonbeon's Kisaeng's were easily found as models for both oriental and western paintings in art colleges. It is even said that when Idang Kim Eun-ho (김은호) painted the portrait of Chunhyang for the Chunhyang Shrine in Gwanghallu, Namwon in 1939, he used Kim Myeong-ae (김명애), a Kisaeng who had been associated with Gwonbeon during the Joseon Dynasty, as his model.

The portrait of Chunhyang

Kim Eun-ho (김은호;金殷鎬), a renowned painter, was born on June 24, 1892, during the 29th year of King Gojong's reign. He passed away on February 7, 1979. Notably, Kim Eun-ho's artistic talent flourished during the Japanese colonial period, where he created notable works such as 'Golden Tea Bonnapdo' and 'Chunhyangsang'.

During his early years, Kim Eun-ho pursued a short-term surveying course at Inheung School in 1908. To support himself, he worked as a surveyor's assistant in Seoul and also engaged in copying old books at Yeongpoong Seogwan. In 1912, he joined the Gyeongseong Calligraphy and Painting Art Society as a second-generation student, graduating from the Painting Department in 1915 and the Calligraphy Department in 1917.

Notably, he painted portraits of prominent figures like Song Byeong-jun (宋秉畯) and Yoon Deok-yeong (尹德榮), as well as full-body seated statues of Choi Je-woo (崔濟愚) and Choi Si-hyeong (崔時亨) from Donghak(��學). After his graduation, Kim Eun-ho actively participated in the Joseon Calligraphy and Painting Association, which was established in 1918. However, during the March 1st Movement in 1919, he was arrested for distributing the 'Independence Newspaper' and served a five-month prison sentence, as he was a Pro-Japanese and anti-nationalist.

The portrait of Chunhyang for the Chunhyang Shrine in Gwanghallu.

There are three portraits of Chunhyang displayed at the Namwon Folk Museum in Eohyeon-dong, Namwon-si, Jeollabuk-do. The first portrait, created by artist Kang Ju-su in 1931, was made during the construction of the Chunhyang Shrine.

In 1939, the first painting by Idang Kim Eun-ho was donated by Hyun Jun-ho and placed in the museum. Unfortunately, the Portrait of Chunhyang was damaged during the Korean War, but it was later restored by Idang Kim Eun-ho in 1961. This restored version was donated by General Song Yo-chan, who was the head of the cabinet at the time, and it remains enshrined at the museum. The original copy of the portrait is preserved at the Namwon City Museum.

Characteristics of the portrait of Chunhyang

The Portrait of Chunhyang embodies the ideal of beauty for Korean women and aims to depict a historical female figure. Kang Ju-su from Jinju crafted this unique piece in 1939, with the collaboration of archaeologists, sculptors, cultural historians, and directors. Kim Eun-ho utilized the Joseon gisaeng Kim Myeong-ae as a model to create a lifelike representation.

This artwork not only serves as a symbol of Korean femininity but also showcases the collective effort of various professionals in its creation. The Portrait of Chunhyang stands out for its meticulous attention to detail and historical accuracy, making it a significant cultural artifact in Korean history.

[7grandmel]

Todays rip: 30/03/2024

THANK YOU FOR RIPPING

Season 1 Featured on: beatmania IIDX 7 GRAND Also on: GilvaSunner's Highest Quality Video Game Rips: Volume 7: Part mm2wood

Ripped by beat_shobon

Requested by Bumsoldier! @bumsoldier (Request Form)

Its that time again - another Season 1 finale rip! But there's a good reason these keep showing up, as I reiterate with each one I cover - The Season 1 finale was when the team was truly firing on all cylinders to end the channel off with a bang. Planet Wisp Mashup Medley, The SiIvaGunner Smurfs Collab, File Select Fusion Collab, Stone Halation - tons of these incredibly ambitious, full-blast collaborations, that I've written plenty of words about already. In comparison, THANK YOU FOR RIPPING feels almost as if dwarfed in scope, not helped by being a rip of a comparatively niche series. Which is a damn shame - because what beat_shobon has done here is just as much of a loveletter to the entire channel yet expressed through his own individual style in a far more condensed runtime.

First of all though - wow, beat_shobon! It's been since Rolling Start that I wrote about one of his rips, and since then I've learned that he's become a bit of a superstar since his 2016 SiIvaGunner days - notably winning a Vocaloid songwriting contest with the ironically-named Can't Make A Song!! in 2018. The guy has a great grasp on this kind of music, is my point, and both Rolling Start and THANK YOU FOR RIPPING show that off well - but more importantly, I adore how THANK YOU FOR RIPPING still feels as much like a love letter to SiIvaGunner as a whole as it does a flexing of its rippers' muscles. The song used as the foundation for the mashup is GO MY WAY!! from the IDOLM@STER franchise, a song that was immensely notable in Season 1 as the song to supposedly "replace" Snow Halation during The Reboot storyline - see I Saw a Brainwasher Today for a bit more details on this. Its a song that I remember receiving a lot of pushback during that event as a result of those connotations, as a lot of people found it to be even *more* grating of an idol song than Snow Halation was - yet with The Reboot concluded, with those emotions settled, I find that the song has come to represent a sense of...unity, in the fanbase. It IS silly idol music, but we've come to accept it as part of SiIvaGunner, as a result of what The Reboot taught us.

That's far from all that THANK YOU FOR RIPPING contains, of course - the piano in the background continuously plays segments of The Flintstones theme throughout the entire song, as it jumps from joke to joke. Its a bit of a journey throughout the entire channel's life during Season 1: starting where it all began with Vinesauce Joel's reaction to 7 Grand Dad, to a quick clip of Snoop Dogg's "Smoke Weed Everyday!!", a sudden jumpscare from The Bean (I'll get to it someday), then moving into memes prominent in the season's last few months, in the infamous POKEMON GO SONG!!! and The Nutshack theme. All the while, again, those Flintstones-esque notes stay prominently audible in the background, as to keep reminding us of where this whole thing all began.

Perhaps most interesting of all, though, is near the rips end at around the 1:30 mark. Another Vinesauce Joel clip plays, a quite well known one - "WHO'S BEEN DRAWING DICKS?" - but its pitch shifted in a way that may ring as familiar to many of you. It is, indeed, directly referencing the rip "Creative Exercise - Mario Paint", known by its album name as Mario Paint exe 2. A sequel to a prior-made Soundcloud mashup from the same ripper in 2015, this is as of today the third-most-viewed rip on the entire SiIvaGunner channel - and was, to my surprise, also made by beat_shobon. Making that connection, then, drew my attention to another part of the rip just a few seconds earlier, where the instantly-recognizable bellow of "DAY-TO-NAAA!!!" from Daytona USA plays in the midst of the mix. I cannot help but think that this is a direct callback to Rolling Start, as another one of beat_shobon's most celebrated rips - one also made during The Reboot, tracing back to the rip's central joke.

I dunno - there are tons of these little connections to make within the surprisingly dense 2-minute runtime of THANK YOU FOR RIPPING, yet they all work toward the very same emotional goal. Gratitude - a thank you, from the entire SiIvaGunner channel yes, but also from beat_shobon himself, thanking us all for having enjoyed so much of the channel's life. Through thick and thin, through Reboots and Beans, though rips made by people all over the world - we loved SiIvaGunner more than ever before during the Season 1 finale. And its always such a treat to go back to that time and see just how much it meant to even the rippers behind it all.

[bharv]

Okay but do talk to us about pianos in FR, I'm guessing they should not be there? Or just not that type?

Oh. Ohohohoh anon. Here we go. We're going to go on a journey into how my mind works, I'm sorry, you asked such a straightforward question but it's going to unravel something in me. I'm so sorry. I studied music as a youth, and I am an insufferable autist.

So simply put, they COULD be there. Faerun isn't a parallel to earth, they can have anything they damn well want. But also, if they are there, why are other instruments... not?

The game is set in the late 1400s in Toril, and it does seem like a time of the very beginnings of industrialisation, of the cities going through bit populous changes. We see some evidence of this when we get to Baldur's Gate proper, after being in the countryside of the Frontiers for a while. We could argue that this is a time of enlightenment in Faerun. More people are becoming atheists, the return of Lantan has brought back some technology into the Sword Coast. It's easy to say that there are some progressions in how society runs at this point.

The first piano was made in the early 1700s by Bartolomeo Cristofori. Developed from the Harpsichord, which had been in use since the 1400s. A Harpsichord has a keyboard which, when pressed, plucks a string in a manner akin to other string instruments, like a violin with a finger. The piano strikes the string with a hammer, allowing for dynamic range (quiet to loud) which is new, and brings forward a whole new possibility for the instrumentalist.

The piano changed the fucking game when it came to music. by the 1800s every established household would have had a piano. But this is all known stuff.

What I don't get is where are the adjoining instruments? The things that led to pianos being in every musical home?

A bard has the option of a flute, drum, violin, lyre, or lute in BG3. Now a violin or drum, those would stay in play for years as a folk instrument and would likely not go out of circulation. But a flute is a really, really impractical instrument option for carrying across the field compared to, say, a clarinet. If that's where we are with the development of instruments. If we have pianos... we could probably be moving from lutes through to classical guitars, which bring another whole new melodic nature to burgeoning songwriting.

(In 5e standard I believe you get the above plus the shwam, bagpipes, dulcimer, horn, gong, shorthorn, longhorn, regular old horn and zulkoon, which I'll come back to in a moment)

Also if we have pianos, then we should see evidence of harpsichords in poorer households who can't afford these wonders yet. Pianos definitely still seem like a luxury item. We only see them prominently feature in Gale's home, the music shop, and the Jannath's estate. So elsewhere it would stand to reason that we would see spinets on people's tables, or smaller keyboarded instruments popping up elsewhere.

Also, if we are at the point of pianos being in people's homes... we've got to talk about concertinas and squeezeboxes starting to come into play too. Which would revolutionise the music played by bards. We have Zulkoons which are a bellows instrument which is kind of a bellows-pumped bagpipe, which is a drone instrument. But we've not even officially had hurdy-gurdy's yet (give the people what they want, wizards, we're sick of homebrewing them in.)

But imagine! Suddenly as a bard you have an instrument capable of polyphonic sound! That's going to completely revolutionise the game! To have something of the possibility of a concertina or a piano opens up so much more depth of sound in playing, and would take composition of music into a new era.

Then Gale, for fuck's sake, says he has a piano enchanted to play the Llurian Suites. SUITES? We're at a point in composition where we have suites? Are we at a time where somebody like Handel could be composing? Do we have the burgeoning artform of opera? It's all possible.

But where's my harpsichords?

[frauleinandry]

a persona 3 reload review

uuuuuuh so i was meant to post this like... two weeks ago, but then real life hit me in the head like a frying pan. now that i've had the time to edit this though, here are my thoughts on p3re! this is also a minato route review, as i played kotone's in P3P (i know it's not his canon name, but i don't want to use makoto due to P5 confusion).

on the whole, reload is a fantastic game. the gameplay easily rivals P5R, and surpasses it in some aspects. the new content is typically great. i also enjoyed minato as a character (well, as much of a character as persona protagonists are anyway), though that leads me to the main gripe i had with reload...

... and that's the lack of kotone's social links. to be precise, two of her social links, the absence of which greatly hurts the overall story.

don't get me wrong, i'd still rank reload a solid 8/10, but it could have been a 10/10 with the addition of those two links (plus one other spoiler thing), and I think that's a shame.

my in depth analysis is under the cut - note, it's very much not spoiler free.

okay, so, i'm gonna split this into 3.5 segments - the good, the mixed, and the bad (you'll find out what the 0.5 is later).

1. the good:

minato - while i'm still a kotone girlie at heart, he's not a bad protagonist at all! his dialogue options have a very distinct personality to them unlike joker and yu, and his character arc is one of the best of all of the persona main leads. an aloof, apathetic boy who learns to love the world/his friends so much he's willing to die for them... it's good!

koromaru - minor, but worth mentioning. you can pat him, and it's so cute. in fact, everything about him is perfect. from his all-out attack screen, to his animations, to... well, everything. no joke, if I needed to sell this game to a non-persona fan, i'd use him as the main draw.

hangout events - while I think being able to chat to everyone in the dorm already made SEES one of the more developed casts, having additional scenes really helped flesh out the party members who are less prominent in the plot (fuuka, pre-january aigis, ken). more things to do at night is also great, given there was nothing to do in the evening after maxing your social stats in the older versions. the perks they give you are great too, but i'll talk about that more later.

voice acting - not gonna lie, i generally don't like the persona dubs, and normally always play with the JP audio. given reload features some of my favourite voice actors though and was basically fully voiced, i decided to give it a chance this time. and i don't regret it! while some actors are definitely stronger than others, none of them were actively jarring, and quite frankly, they hard carried a lot of the social links. kudos to the cast!

strega - while they could have gone a bit further with it (jin needed a linked episode for sure), takaya finally got the development he sorely needed, and his and jin's final battles were actually interesting, instead of being annoying distractions from nyx. in fact, i'd say takaya's new content is easily the best of the new reload exclusive material. in portable, he made no impression on me whatsoever, but now, he finally gets to be the anti!minato he deserves to be.

1.5. the tartarus (aka good part 2, electric boogaloo):

i have so many things to gush about in terms of the new combat/exploration system, i decided it needed its own section! the glow-up tartarus got was massive. i was pretty disappointed when i heard they were keeping it randomly generated, but somehow, atlus pulled it off! i'll talk about individual things below.

collectables/monad doors - one issue with OG tartarus is that it's monotonous. breakable collectables make it much more entertaining to romp through though, as smashing things is Fun. the monad doors interspersed throughout are another good addition - if you want a break from roaming, you can challenge them, but if not, that's fine!

floor layout - another thing that makes tartatus more fresh to explore is that the HD graphics really make the differences between the blocks pop out. the generally smaller floors with more unique layouts really helps too.

shifting - it's baton pass, though without the ridiculous power/sp bonuses that made baton pass a little bit too gamebreaking in persona 5. in other words, perfect!

theurgy - out of all the battle-specific improvements, theurgy and the personality traits have got to be my favourites. showtimes were fun, but too random/gimmicky to be that useful, and ultimate skills tended to fluctuate between being absolutely gamebreaking or too SP intensive to be worth using. blending them into one feature with a content-specific gauge fixes all the problems with them while keeping everything that made showtimes/ultimate skills good.

ambush mechanics - this was one of the things i was most worried about before playing reload. ambushing in P5 is fun, but ambushing in the other persona games...? not so much. reload manages to fix this though by making the shadows less sensitive, which makes the early game a lot better, and but introducing dash-ambushes once the floors get bigger. if the persona 6 ambush system works like this, i'll be happy.

navigator skills - fuuka being retooled to work more like a playable character was an A+++ decision. making her skills player-activated but with an SP cost is so much more immersive than randomly getting a stat boost/enemy info.

unfortunately, while i think most of the tartarus additions were great, there were a few new mechanics which weren't... dreadful, per say, but could have been implemented better.

great clocks - they're better than nothing, but quite frankly, i would have preferred it if benched units got 50% exp instead. they incentivise you to drop two units for a period of time, which is annoying, given i want to use everyone on my first playthrough. late game, great clocks are also a pain to summon, for reasons i'll talk about below.

twilight fragments - i think they're a neat idea in theory, but they need to be easier/more reliable to farm. once you finish off the bulk of your social links/elizabeth's requests, replenishing them becomes a nightmare, which is annoying because you need them for great clocks.

2. the mixed:

while reload did a lot of things right, as per above, there were some things that didn't quite hit the mark.

linked episodes - i'm gonna be blunt. anyone who thinks these are better than social links is smoking something. one thing i like about party member social links is that it gives them a subplot outside of the main story, focusing more on their mundane struggles as opposed to their supernatural ones. half of the linked episodes just develop the main plot more though (and really should have just been included in it), meaning the linked episode exclusive subplots are underbaked.

another problem is that some of the linked episodes are just... kinda badly written. ryoji's completely lacks his existential dread, akihiko's comes off as a poor attempt to make his arena behaviour less OOC, while shinjiro's... it feels like persona 5 writing, in the worst way possible. it's like atlus completely forgot that subtext is a thing that's Good, actually.

while I have been fairly critical of them so far though, there are a couple of linked episodes i liked. koromaru's actually worked with the format, given he's a dog, but the real winner here was takaya. i loved all of his. if linked episodes appear again, i'd rather they be locked to antagonists like him.

art direction- i'll say right now - the UI is fabulous, the model shaders are great, and tartarus looks fantastic. the environmental design on the whole though is a bit iffy - a lot of the environments didn't translate to the super HD very well, and the lighting sucks in general. i needed to turn down the brightness it was so eye-searing. the animation of the 2D cutscenes is also pretty mediocre, and while the 3D cutscenes tend to look better, they're held back by some of the character models looking a bit goofy (mitsuru's is probably the biggest offender). i also think they were too scared of making the sprites 'ugly', and therefore on the whole they're slightly less emotive than the ones in the older versions of the game, which is a pity.

3. the bad:

minato's social links - the vast majority of the minato-exclusive social links are just flat-out not great. serious props to the voice actors here, since they hard carried them. quite frankly, they're just... bland, except for maya's and suemitsu's, which. uh. have problems. on the topic of social links, while i'm happy the romance isn't mandatory anymore, i don't like how half the girls explicitly confess to you. i much prefer the more subtle vibes of the P5/P4 romantic options, as yeah, most of them can lead naturally into romance, but they don't make the MC feel like a harem anime protagonist (derogatory). it kinda brings to mind this twitter post; sometimes, subtlety is simply better.

the absence of shinji and ryoji's social links - i can live without saori, rio, and most of the new and improved SEES member social links, but this is where i draw the line. while shinji dying is better storytelling, just like with chidori, having the option to save him is also important. lock it behind new game plus, yes... but keep it. also, him priming kotone to support akihiko one he's gone is far better than him just flat-out telling minato that he's dying. ryoji's missing social link though is infinitely worse. where is his slowly mounting horror as he starts poking holes in his backstory? his desperation to validate that he's actually real? that he exists?! like yeah, it's nice that the linked episode doubled down on his bisexuality, but i'd rather keep the psychological breakdown aspects of it, y'know?

the difficulty - i started playing reload normal - the level i'd typically use for a blind run of a persona game - aaaaand swapped to hard the second i unlocked theurgy. even then though, the game was a cakewalk until january hit. while i love theurgy, the game is absolutely not scaled around it, especially since you can charge/concentrate them. doing that, you can easily rack up thousands of damage without even going ham with fusion. unfortunately, reload is just... really easy.

the plot's too faithful to the original - while reload added new content, it pretty much left the story untouched outside of the beach scene. that's... not good, as persona 3's narrative had some pretty big problems. the biggest issue is the unchanged pacing - the strega storyline really needed to start a month earlier, and ryoji needed an extra month to integrate with the characters due to his lack of social link. this is one of the things i'm explicitly docking a point for - reload still doesn't kick off until the yakushima arc, which is well over a third into the game.

despite my criticisms, i do want to note that my experience with reload was predominately positive. it's (extremely) sad that you still need to play portable to experience the full persona 3 story, but p3re is still a fantastic game, and has a lot of gameplay features i'd be delighted to see in persona 6.

that's all i've got to say for now - until next time!

[popcornforone]

The Clients Company

A Max Lord Fan Fic

The random conversations you have with friends eh? I was at a friends birthday party & someone mentioned something that prominent in this fic & now here I am just under a month later with it ready for you all. & yea I got carried away with it. Max Lord is joining the party.

Synopsis: You hire entertainment for your friends Hen party which is 80s themed but the when you lay eyes on the rather scrumptious Max Lord the party might not ever stop.

Word count:6800

Warnings: DONOT READ IF YOU ARE UNDER 18! PIV protected & unprotected sex, pulling out, facial, cum play, consent & at some points lack of it, one off, swearing, alcohol, it’s not paying for sex but they are both hired by each other, teasing, stripping, adult entertainment, oral. Max Lord is in the modern world not the 80s but there is an 80s party. Hen party shenanigans.

Thanks as always for the read peoples. All feedback is appreciated. Enjoy your rather special hen party.

Jessica walks into the air bnb you’ve hired looking very confused, in the dark.

“Oh is this it?” She says dismissively “me & the two of you & take out pizza what a”

“SURPRISE!!!” Lucy turns the next light on & all her friends leap out, Jessica is over come with excitement. All her friends have crammed into one small box room to make her arrival to her hen party even more memorable. Screams hugs & kisses happen between Jessica & everyone. You & Lucy high five each other. Jessica has two friend groups & you, as the maid of honour, had asked Lucy to help you sort a few things out & contact the girls you didn’t know as well.

“We did good Lucy” you whisper as you both bring out the Prosecco. “& this is just the start” you have a surprise that even Lucy doesn’t know about.

Jessica loves 80s movies, music & fashion so you’ve made her hen party 80s themed. There pictures of the Hoff, wham & Duran Duran are on repeat & she is beaming.

“I can’t believe you did all this for me”

“Well you only get married once” Lucy replies.

“Or never” you scoff under your breath. You are the only single girl at this party to the best of your knowledge. Everyone’s got someone to snuggle on cold winter nights or a casual fling. But you haven’t had a date in 6 months. You’ve been trying to find a plus one for the wedding but you know it’s not going to happen now. You’ve let that ship sail. You hand out the first set of drinks & then the doorbell goes & you scuttle off quickly.

You open the door & usher the person in.

“Hi is this the hen party? Am I at…”

“Yea you are please go get changed in the bathroom, the bride will be astounded, she’s just arrived.” You can’t see much of his facial features, it’s raining outside. His hood is up & done up tightly around him. He scurries in & you show him to the bathroom to the side of the room that you are sleeping in. “Just through here, if you could make your entrance in about 5mins that would be fantastic.”

“No problem at all, you wanted 80s & early 90s right?” You see him set his bag down, coat not off hood still up.

“Yes please” you shut the bathroom door, leave your bedroom & head back to the party.

Everyone’s giggling & Jessica then asks “so what’s the plan?”

“Well we are eating & drinking & playing some games here & then into town for karaoke & clubbing….” Your smirk gives away something else is up & everyone looks keenly at you. “… unfortunately I couldn’t get us in to see the dream boys” the whole room goes oooohhhh & booos. The dream boys are your local strippers who do go all the way. “But…” everyone’s eyes pick up”I have got us a butler” everyone cheers & right on cue this glorious man appears playing some rather posh music from his phone. Floppy curtain style hair that bounces, rosey cheeks & big brown eyes. He’s got long sleek black trousers on underneath a very small apron & a white shirt with a bow tie, but no shoes. The room gawps at him excitedly. They are just happy to have a butler for the afternoon, they don’t know yet who he really is. Even with the 80s hair wig you find him attractive, those eyes would melt anyones soul.

“Ladies, Hens & the gorgeous bride Jessica, my name is Max Lord, a Lord now demoted to being a butler, but ladies, by the way you are all looking today, you all deserve a lord for the night” everyone claps & woohooos aloud. He then slowly walks across to Jessica. You made her wear white while you all wore dark blue her favourite colour. “My my you must be the bride” & he kisses the back of her hand & then whispers in her ear, to get her consent. He will go over the ground rules with everyone in a minute but as the bride & centre of the attention for the party he will do a lot more with her than anyone else. “Tell me Jessica,” his tone has turned seductive. “Does your soon to be husband have an arse like mine?” He grabs he hands, pulling them behind him to smack his bum. Giggling insues from the other hens. “Does he tell you how beautiful you are? Does his chest feel like this?” He trails her hands down his shirt & Jessica looks so excited. “Didn’t think so” he then stands to the side of Jessica as she looks up at this man. You’re biting your fist knowing exactly what coming. & for some reason even before the reveal you’re really turned on, more than you should be.

“You see ladies, I’m not just a butler” he raises an eyebrow, every woman is now putty in his hand. Those eyes & his charisma are working everyone in the room. “I have special gifts, but before I share these gifts with you, I need you all to agree that unless I whisper & give you permission or you consent, to try & contain yourselves, lets go around the room & check” every girl agrees. Maggie is a bit to enthusiastic, she’s obviously worked this out.

“I consent Mr lord” you reply & he smiles the most at your response.

“Well ladies let’s have a fabulous hen party shall we.” He hands go either side of his shirt which is held together with Velcro & her strips it off. Leaving just his bow tie on top. “My name is Max Lord…” & he then then turns around & his trousers are also Velcro & they come off too. Showing his peachy arse to you all, he’s just wearing a gstring “… your butler in the buff” screams fill the air & he blushes as he wiggles his bum, each cheek moving, not a blemish in sight.

“Wahay” one of the girls shouts”you did good girl”. Max then turns around so his bum is in Jessica’s face.

“Beautiful bride would you help me by removing my gstring, it’s rather uncomfortable” the next thing you all see is Jessica waving it in the air after it’s been taken off & she smacks his bum. “Very cheeky miss, bet you love a good spanking” Jessica turns red & Max then says he will be at our beck & call for drinks all afternoon & that he is happy to pose for pictures & be in party games, but to always ask before anyone touches him & that this works better with some boundaries.”I hate being the spoil sport but you all know what I mean” everyone nods & the party continues.

The games are going well & it’s been a lot of fun & Jessica is being spoiled by you, the girls & Max. You’re loving the fact that everyone’s having a good time. You not as tipsy as everyone else, you know you’ve got a schedule to keep to & certain things to do before you head out later tonight. You are clearing away some penis cake that you all just ate which was a sweet or salty surprise for everyone. As you get ready the beer pong, Max comes up to you & casually strokes your face.

“She looks like she’s having fun” he says nodding at Jessica.

“Yes, she wanted a stripper but I couldn’t afford one or get us booked up for the dream boys, so when I realised butlers in the buff was a thing I thought that was a fun idea” you say as you offer Max a slice of the left over cake.

“Well I’m glad you did, considering some partys I’ve gone to, everyone here is actually very respectful of me, but you all have dirty minds” he laughs before biting into the cake & his eyes light up. “Salty, it’s the salted caramel” you smirk & your eyes meet for a few seconds to long lingering as he sees your own chocolate eyes gaze into his.

“Im guessing this isn’t your main job?” You say “not that there’s anything wrong with it if it is” not wanting to insult his job.

“Oooh no I do this at the weekends. I love to do the themed parties, I’m guessing you realised that the hair is a wig?”

“Obviously”

“Well some places want a bit more of a show or more of a tease but a hen party & what you told me you wanted, it’s a nice chilled way to spend a Saturday afternoon, better than the boring usual 9 til 6, this pays well too”

“I know it does I’m the one who’s paying for you” you laugh.

“Really?” He smirks licking the crumbs from his long fat finger. “Well you must have a very important job that pays well, if you’re affording this as an extra bit of spice.” You don’t want to tell this man what you do for a living, he’d probably laugh for a week when he found out a senior board member of a prestigious advertising company had hired him. It’s not very good for PR.

“Is the wig doing it for you?” You’re shocked & aroused at his blunt question that’s come out of the blue. Your eyes however are now drawn to how he’s sucking the frosting off his large flat thumb. He’s teasing you trying to get you to open up a bit more. You’re also certain that he is seducing & that this isn’t an act that he puts on. There’s a genuine look in his eyes of desire for you.

“I…I…” you start to lean towards him & his hand trails down your neck, the thumb that had the frosting on is sticky as it does this. Lips that you shouldn’t kiss are just screaming out for an embrace. But this moment of silence is broken by a cheer in the room as someone downs their drink in 15 seconds. You both snap back into reality. The temptations of kissing has passed.

The rest of the party is fun & it gets to a quiz about a hens which Max hosts, his last job before you send him on his way & give him a rather large tip, especially as Hayley kissed one of his bum cheeks 10mins ago & Max had to remind her about boundaries. He still liked it but you wish that was you doing that not her.

“Question 8… which hen is not bringing a partner as a plus one to the wedding?” In unison everyone points at you & you almost choke on my Prosecco.

“Have I really been that single for that long?”

“Damn girl you need some dick”

“Yea maybe we can find a plus one for you when we go out tonight”

“You need a good seeing too”

everyone throws in their line of smutt, & you see Max laughing. But his eyes also look sadly at you. All the other girls are loved up, you’re the only single one here.

“Im sure that if the beautiful maid of honour wanted a man on her arm, she could find her lord to her own lady ship” Max declares & you laugh loudly, but also see in his eyes that he’s not kidding.

“She’s married to her job, she loves being in charge of…”

“Shhhh” you say & then hiccup the Prosecco finally hitting your system. You’re not as tipsy as the other girls but it is taking effect. “I mean if i met him, the one that you all keep going on about, you will all know don’t worry” you smile & down your drink desperate to move on to someone’s else. Your eyes have not left Max’s eyes. His chest & his bulge & bum might be what the other ladies are looking at but you are just looking at his pools of delight watching them dance & admiring the small smile on his face.

“Well maybe you should use my life motto for your current relationship situation…” Max states as he moves to the next question. He does this really tacky pose & point & says”…life is good but it can be better” his wig flapping about & everyone & you laugh.

“That such a bad tag line, that it’s good” you cry out & he laughs too, before moving onto his next card. Working in advertising you know what works & what doesn’t.

The girls are now all tidying up & re applying their make up. It’s been a fab hen party so far. Max left the party about 15mins ago & youve gone to go & re do your hair & get the treats ready for a night of karaoke & clubbing, which you left in your room. You step into your room, the smallest in the air bnb, & go to the bathroom to grab your hair brush & then are shocked as you open the door. Max is full frontal naked in the walk in shower & you are wondering how an apron that small kept him covered. You scream & then you hear Max scream, & you quickly shut the door. You’re panting heavily. You’re so aroused & your body is feral & crying out for a man’s touch. As your heart rate calms down, could have been seconds or hours later, out Max walks in a towel, just about covering everything.

“Sorry I should have said, I always shower before I leave, don’t want my actual clothes to be covered in baby oil & for them to be sticky. I just assumed…” Max is trying to talk to you but it’s more at you. You are looking at the droplets of water still on his skin. The fact that his hair is bouncy but not the curtains of the wig. The v line along with the happy trail going to what you want most right now. His penis in any of your holes”… are your listening? I said I was sorry, are you in shock?” You snap out of it as he says this.

“It’s my fault Max , I should have knocked & not just assumed, I’m sorry I didn’t check,I’m…” he steps towards you & his hand trails your cheek again like it did earlier, then down your neck & then his thumb goes to your lips.

“Shhh baby, no one’s come rushing to find you, is that the loudest you can scream?” He raises an eyebrow & you do the same back & you both smirk.”I’m guessing that’s a no?”

“Would you like to find out?” You whisper. Your lips part as you slightly lick them & his thumb. The next feeling is Max lips on yours. A sloppy wet kiss, as he holds you firmly & close to him. You don’t resist. Your hands explore his actual hair & you suddenly feel the towel drop onto your feet. His damp glistening naked body pressed against you.

“I’ve never done this with a client before”

“Technically I’m not…”

“Yes you are, you paid” he has a valid point. you go to step back but he pulls you in taking you mouth again, much more tender this time less of a hurry now you know how the other feels. “But there’s something about you, other than the bride you’re the only person I’ve truly thought about all night” he takes your hand which run over his chest. Touching all those abs that you’ve resisted all night. Your hand goes down the v shape, he wants you to touch. You hands stop just above the base.

“Max, if that is even your name,I can’t, you can’t, we shouldn’t, it’s exploitation”

“No it’s not baby, making you feel wanted, i do for free. You’ve already paid me for everyone else’s enjoyment tonight, don’t you think you deserve some fun too?” Max hands take yours & they grip his length & you look down watch his hand & yours stroke his impressive length, semi erect, readying for desire. “Oooh that feels good” Max’s body judders as he closes his eyes for a few minutes. Your dainty hands softly gliding up & down his shaft. Max is fully erect & then he remembers this is meant to be for your pleasure & enjoyment not his. He snaps out of it letting go of his penis & kisses you passionately. He can probably taste the Prosecco from earlier he’s that thorough.

“Do you consent?” He ask when you finally break. You nod eyes wide waiting to be commanded. He grips you chin harshly. “Words baby”.

“Yes Max, I consent” your eyes lock onto his, the charmer of the afternoon is now the seducer about to give you the ultimate pleasure. But what Max does next you’re not expecting but aren’t entirely surprised.

In a flash you’ve been turned around. You’re bent over the bed, & he kicks at your feet to spread your legs.Your body responding instantly. You hear a tearing noise.

“I hope you brought another pair of tights” max says as the noise continues. Luckily you have, you almost didn’t pack them yesterday night. He smacks your arse before he moves the gusset to the side of your knickers. Those large fingers trail against your sex. Your knickers from what had happened already are damp & it makes him chuckle. “Oooh have you been thinking of me all afternoon, have I kept you all pent up, since my earlier flirt?” You go to lift your head to say maybe but instead you moan & gasp. He’s breached your entrance in one thrust & it knocks all the wind out of you, surprising you, but you are ultimately happy & desperately needing to be satisfied. He stretches you & it feels exquisite.

“Fuck… Max”you moan before the next thrust which he somehow gets even deeper inside you. Your body jolts forward pushing you further across the bed before Maxs hands bring you back to his preferred position for you.

“Oooh baby, this cunts to die for. Oooh fucking hell.” you feel him thrust again. He’s hitting the sweet spot already as you grip onto the bedding. “6 month you said is that right?” He spanks your arse before he lifts your dress more. His pace already quick. You mumble a yes reply, as body craves air at this rigourous pounding you are already receiving . “Why would anyone dump you, this cunt is so tight, so good, now mine” he growls. His teeth grinding. If you could muster the strength to turn around & see his face you would see enraged passion in his face, so concentrated. He says this is for you but is it actually for him. He’s fast & the more you whimper moan & push back onto his cock the faster he goes.

“I want you…” max is panting. The slapping noise against your arse deafening as he ramps it up even more “… when your in the club tonight, checking out those guys, those vultures, to remember…” you let out a really deep moan as both your hands now cling onto the bed, as he slaps your arse again. “… that I fucked your cunt raw, that it’s me who you want to go home to tonight, not some pussy in a bar after an easy blow job” he snarls & pants as he says this. It’s turning you on so much, clamping around his penis ready to drench him & the bed to make him cum. You have no idea if he’s using protection or not.

“Fuck, fuck, fuckkkkk” you whine is drawn out with each hard thrust you’re saying this into the mattress, Max Lord is rampant & is giving you a feeling you’ve not had from sex in years. Lust is returning to your life.

“Oh god I…I…” Max swiftly withdraws his cock from you. “Face me!” It’s a command & you flip over. Your mound still on display as he kneels on the bed, pumping his penis,it’s next to your face. Those large hands looking normal size compared to his cock. “You consented…” before you can protest, he ejaculates. Hot splurges of cum drip onto your face, giving you a facial, your own hand on your clit trying to finish yourself off, but no matter how hard you try as your swallow his seed that’s gone in more places than just your mouth, you can’t. So much for your own pleasure you think. You are now wondering how many other singles girls this butler in the buff has fucked at the end of his entertainment. “Oooh fuckkkk” he moans as his eyes open & he sees your face glistening back from him covered in his essence. A smirk falls across his face as he sees the mess on yours as he slowly stops pumping. “Ooh you were a good maid of honour werent you.” You go to protest still a little in shock at having sex with a man you met 4hours ago & also disappointed that he didn’t finish you off.

“What… what was that all about?” But you don’t get to fully ask your question as he places his lips on yours, his thumb going over your cheek, wiping away some cum before he places that in your lips & you instinctively suck it. You know what men like this want.

“Pleasure” he says & winks before he leaves your side & rummages in his bag to clean his penis with a cloth that he dampens in the sink first, before he puts on his every day clothes as you clean yourself. You both do this in silence. Hardly making any eye contact. You’re hoping the girls had the music loud enough that they didn’t hear you. You’re also hoping Max is clean if any stds, you know you are. But if he’s doing this every weekend with one pretty girl per party who knows if he’s riddled, at least he pulled out you think, but that did deny you of your pleasure.

Max, who is now dressed & now you look a bit more normal, goes to leave before he stands in front of you, & takes your lips one last time.

“Remember girl, life is good but it can be better, I promise you will find your ultimate pleasure”

“Max if that is even your name I…” he shhh you before he gives you a passionate kiss. It feels more weird now he’s actually dressed as himself ready to leave than when he was in a butler in the buff or after he had given you a cum facial. & yet some how it also felt better. As you part the succulent kiss Max winks at you.

“Any wish you desire I can make come true” he picks up his bag, strokes your face & leaves the air bnb.

This is the exact moment Lucy comes to find you as you mumble the words after he’s gone completely “I wish you’d made me cum”

“Omg you didnt” Lucy exhales & you jump in shock.

“Well” you blush “I did, but it was more about him than me”

“Typical man” Lucy scoffs & makes sure you are okay before you head out for the most fun night a hen party could ever had.

*

There you sit in a reception of a new prospective client. A fast growing supplement company all about well-being & mental health as well. You had taken Monday & Tuesday off work to get over the hen shenanigans, the recovery was needed & you had spent the entire Saturday night at the bar flirting with men wishing they had been Max. When you got back to work on Wednesday you were told to go & see this company hands on & talk to their director, to seal the deal. Board members do this from time to time. You sit there in your dark blue dress & snazzy floral jacket before being escorted into the lift & taken to the 3rd floor to meet the owner. It’s all very cold & white & steal & clean this building. It’s not welcoming you know this may have to change with your pr input & advertising.

“Boss your 10am is here” his personal receptionist says as she knocks on the door & opens it & in you step & you do your little powerful walk forward & look up. You hand grips the glass you are holding.

“YOU!?” You exclaim. The side profile looking out of the window was all you needed to know who it was.

“Miss welcome I…” he catches you out the corner of his eye & he looks shocked too “what are you doing here?”

“No what are you doing here?” His receptionist looks really confused. You shake your head, is this a dream. You place your glass on the table along with your bag, your normal spiel for a welcome completely has left your mind.

“If you wouldn’t mind” he nods at his receptionist & ushers her out as he walks towards you. “His im Maxwell Lord, Director of CliMax, our motto is your life is good…”

“But it can be better” you say in unison as your hands professionally shake & turn your senses up, sending shivers down your spine. An awkward silence fill the air as you both make eye contact, those eyes are just as beautiful & seducing. They make your heart beat race. He then smile & you both giggle.

“Is your name really Max Lord?” These are the first words out of your mouth.

“Yes it is & is so corney it’s perfect for an entertainer name too, people just believe it’s made up.” He smirks before he goes to his door to lock it & then asks you to sit down on his leather sofa. Unlike the rest of the building his office is vibrant & it’s full of 80s pop culture references. You smile at the Rio Duran Duran art work, noticing it must be an original as you take your seat. Max sits on the other end of the sofa.

“I’m sorry” you both then say in unison after a few more minutes of awakened silence before then both doing an awkward chuckle only to then be like no you go first to each other. You eventually then just blurt out.

“I’m sorry I walked in on you, I’m sorry I had sex with you & im sorry I just let you leave” you blurt out as you lower your head. “If you don’t want to work with us now I completely understand, if you do I can make sure someone else is your main contact other than…”

“I requested you as my contact 3 weeks ago, long before I met you on Saturday or looked at who booked me for the party” Max states & you look up. His eyes are genuine he’s not lying about this. “Part of the reason I want to work with the company & to be your client is because I saw the amazing work you personally did for that drinks company, I had a friend who worked with them who said how attentive you were. It took me a good month to track down where you were to organise an appointment & when I spoke to the person last week about this meeting I asked for you & no one else, I’d met other people but I want to work with you.” Your advertising & Pr skill are exceptional & you feel very flattered. But you already know how much of a charmer this man is, you fell for it on Saturday afternoon. But now he’s in a smart suit & tie he’s even more irresistible.

“Thank you mr Lord, but what about…”

“My fault entirely…” he interrupts holding his hands up apologetically. His eyes you can tell are telling the truth. “I’d flirted, I shouldn’t have kissed you, but damn you were so fucking good, best pussy I’ve had in years” you smirk a little, you ex never gave you that compliment.

“So much for it being about my pleasure though…” you say back mockingly, & his face turns red & stern from embarrassment.

“Did you not cum?”

“No Max, I didn’t, as you covered my face in your sperm I was busy trying to get off but…”

“So those noises weren’t you cumming? Oh my god! I am so sorry, you were being loud & clamping, I thought you were done” Max eyes dart around the room unsure what he should really say. “Wait does this mean other women have faked it with me?”

“I can’t speak for other ladies max, I’m sure all your hens at…”

“You’re the first girl I’ve had sex with at one of those parties ever. I’m actually thinking of resigning as I went too far” Max again is telling the truth & you can see the sorrow in his face that he didn’t make you cum & he took advantage of your situation of sexual frustration.

“Unless you business really takes off max, you shouldn’t resign, its all the girls have talked about all weekend & the last 3 days on the group chat, you were phenomenal” he Scoots towards you on the sofa.

“They don’t know how phenomenal though.” That thumb your been thinking off, graces your lips as they part & you make eye contact with him. “Is this going to be awkward because I want to be your clients, & I want you personally?” He asks. You don’t answer & kiss Max deeply after the trail across your lips. A more fuller passionate kiss than you experienced at the weekend. The way his hand glides through your hair, down your neck & gently squeezes your shoulder.

“Well technically this time your paying me”

“Id say we’re even” you both are panting before your kiss continues for a few minutes. Your hands trail across his broad shoulders, his silk jacket suddenly being tossed across the room.

“Come on, I promised you pleasure, I owe you at least one orgasm” Max says as he scoops you into his lap for some more intimate kissing. The way his lips feel against yours, it makes your body tremble as his hand goes underneath your dress.

“Max this isn’t very professional what if…” your head being near his ear is helpful as you speak quietly as you gasp for air.

“I’m the boss, I can fire people if they gossip, you on the other hand, you ignite my fire” he is kissing you neck in a frenzy as he slowly undoes every button on your blue dress, exposing your black silk underwear. “My fire is more than ignited now” his hands trace across your lingerie rubbing the material straight across your clit. You bite your bottom lip & try not to moan but on his return swipe you can’t control it.

“Max, make me yours” you shake your jacket & dress off, before your hands start on his shirt.

“From the second we flirted at that party, I’ve wanted you” Max then lowers you onto the sofa, his fingers in a waistband of your knickers as you squirm. “Do you want me?” He says. It’s his way of asking for consent. His eyes tell you he’s not messing around.

“Fuck max, I do” your knees rise as your hands join his to remove your knickers & he looks at the arousal inside them.

“Naughty girl, wanting to fuck a prospective client, do you do this with all of them?” Max asks & you look shocked.

“Of course no! I’m…” you then see the look on Max’s face, this is the exact situation you were in on Saturday afternoon when you accused him.

“Didn’t think so” Max says before he licks his middle & index finger before he slowly inserts his long delicious digits inside you making you moan. The thumb you have loved tracing across your lips, is now stimulating your clit as you rive, your hips have a mind of their own responding to his fingers. “You take me so well baby, I told you your cunt was perfect.” Max then starts moving his fingers curling them inside you, making sure your clit is getting enough friction.He’s not looking at your pussy anymore. He’s in love with the facial expressions & the noises of desire coming from your mouth. Every ooooh or pant is making his trousers tighter.

“M…mmmm…Max” you just about muster as your eyes lock with his as he licks his lips.

“Did you wish for pleasure?” max asks.

“Yes I wanted to… to… cum”

“With me?” he smirks before adding a third finger, your back arching up off the sofa as he thrusts the fingers in & out of you. It’s squelching, he can tell how close you are.

“Yes…” you say before you can feel all of your senses lose control. “On your cock”you then moan as the fingers are withdrawn & Max’s belt & trousers are around his ankles. He then flops his large meaty cock out & produces a condom which he tears open with his teeth.

“No facials today my sweet, that was a special treat” your legs spread, your arousal dripping from your entrance, desperate to be filled by Max. He drags his protected penis through your slick before entering you slower than he did on Saturday. He watches as your body tenses & then slowly relax & he looks at how well you take him. He licks his thumb which still smells of your essence & then proceeds to continue attending you your clit. As his hips start moving slower than they did in that moment of passion.

“Ooh fuck this feel better than it did on Saturday. Your cunt is the best. Oooh god.” Max growls his eyes closing for a few moments as your hips meet his in rhythm. You take your bra off & one of your hands starts to play with your breasts while the other strokes Max neck. When he opens his eyes & sees them exposed before him he starts to move faster. A devilish smile creeps across his face.

“I’m guessing you like my breasts” you pant as you prop yourself up a little. Your feet that are wrapped around his arse moving his underwear down his thighs.

“Baby, my wish was to see your naked body enjoying itself, you’ve made it come true” the words are straitened from his lips. He lies flat on top of you, your body sinking into the sofa, his hands all up in your hair. You can feel his hairs all standing on end. But you can feel more the pounding of his penis inside your. Rigorous & forceful. So big, bigger than you’ve had before. Each gasp & moan is a compliment. You didn’t know this would be what got you off but you never want it to end.

“I have a new wish…” you moan but before you can complete it Max lips meet yours. He nips on your bottom lip as he kisses you, you allow his tongue to take over. Your body’s now in complete synchronicity as you roll together & he switches you around so you’re on top.

“Don’t wish it if you don’t want it…” he jokes as he lifts your up slightly, now your sweat is dripping on him. He smacks your arse as you grip at his chest, it’s slicker than when he had all that baby oil on him. He’s fucking you hard & fast. Almost at at electric pace, watching your body succumb to desire & passion.

“I wish to only ever have you fuck me” you blurt out & then you moan deeply. One hand tossing his hair. The other furiously gaining friction on your clit. His hands on your hips helping you roll faster.

“Tell me baby. Tell me. Tell me you want me”

“Fuck Max, I only want you. Fuck fuck fuck” you scream & can’t hold back anymore. You explode, the orgasm ripping through you, turning your world upside down. Cumming hard & Max can feel it. The way your body shudders as he looks at you. The way you clamp down hard & your eyes roll into the back of your head as passion takes over. It’s enough to make him cum, filling the condom a few seconds later.

“Oooooh Fuck girl god!”

After your come downs, Max sits up & holds you for a few minutes, gently moving the sweaty streaks of your hair off of your face. Your own hand still trailing up & down his glistening chest.

“This isn’t going to make this awkward is it Max” you ask & look up at him as he then kisses your forehead.

“Why would it be awkward?”

“I’m going to be working very closely with you, I need to know everything you want, I need to assist you & make sure you make the right decision”

“I’d say you’re now even more over qualified” he jokes. “You know me better than anyone, I know you’re not going to screw me over” you pull away from him slightly.

“Was that a bad sex joke?” You raise an eyebrow.

“Surely you know now, that I’m the king of bad puns.”

“Or the lord”

“Ha” he chuckles. “See we’re meant to be with each other, you’re just as cheesy as me” he gives you a playful slap & you pout. His cock twitches at that pout. “Don’t make me want to fuck you again.”

“Why? Did you not enjoy it?” You ask.

“girl I now know what a real orgasm for a woman is, & I want to experience as many of them as I can with you” he is hand goes to his cock leisurely stroking it again. Your eyes light up as he sighs a little.

“Well I did wish to only have sex with you”

“Then I intend to make that come true” he says as he then sees your hand join his to pump his shaft. “You need to be careful with your wishes though baby, don’t want your mouth to wish them all away.”

“No my mouth has many more uses than that” you wink & smirk & Max’s eyes go wide with desire. His hand helping your down as he strokes your hair as you being your oral assault on his penis. His own gasps of delight spluttering from his own mouth as he watching you bob around his fat cock.

*

The wedding was beautiful & your maid of honour speech went down a treat. You stand by the bar & you hear some of the fellow hens gossip as you get your Prosecco.

“She’s got an evening guest?”

“I thought she was single”

“Was it a guy at a bar”

“Is she just getting a friends to come”

“She looks more relaxed, she’s definitely getting some dick”

That��s what you’ve heard for the last hour. Even Jessica was shocked. None of them have met this mystery man or so they believe.

“So…” Lucy finally has the balls to ask you directly. “When is he arriving?”

“He had to work but I know he’s on his way”

“Ha sure, you’ve just done this to tease us, come on who is he, because he’s clearly had an effect on you.”

“You know what Lucy he has… “a few of the hens have now moved towards this conversation. “…I mean…” you can see him walking in making his way towards you a smug look on his face & your own smile beam back & the other girls haven’t noticed. “…life is good…”

“But it can be better” Max finishes & the ladies all turn around jaws hitting the floor. “Hens how are you? I’m Max” stunned silence fills this section of the reception. Jessica from across the room can even sense stuffs going on. Max walks through the ladies & wraps his arm around you, before his thumb once again glides across your lips. “I make wishes come true” he hold your face before kissing you deeply in front of everyone. They all looked shocked but happy & also a little jealous.

“& this time neither of us are a client either” you say before the girls all burst with excitement & say how happy they are for you both. You finally got your one, you knew it was real & you wish for many more treasured memories & passionate moments to come in your lives together.

[boinin]

So… who’s King Barou™️ getting shipped with in the CO universe?

You: *asks a really straightforward question*

Me: lemme concoct backstories for fifteen other characters, then I'll get back to you

I wish I was joking 💀 but also I love getting these kind of questions, it lets me be indulgent about my AU! So thank you 💗

For context: I am writing a Kunigiri longfic set in 2033-34. This has involved making up fifteen years worth of post-canon life events for the principal cast. Barou doesn't feature prominently, but Kunigami recently revealed that he had a crush on the King back in their Blue Lock days.

Kunigami has moved on by now (like... reeeallly moved on), but Barou's still around, being his good ol' tsundy self. Does he have a partner? Well...

To figure this out, I had to remind myself who's actually on the national team with Barou and work through their dynamics. So...

Sixteen character backstories under the cut, eventually getting to your question.

The following characters have been named in Cassis Orange as being on the Japanese national team, in order of position/role:

Isagi (FW)

Rin (FW)

Shidou (FW)

Barou (FW)

Bachira (Wing)

Otoya (Wing)

Nagi (CAM)

Hiori (CAM)

Sae (CAM)

Karasu (CDF)

Sendou (CDF)

Aryu (FB)

Niko (CB)

Aiku (CB)

Gagamaru (GK)

Fukaku (GK)

This means that 2018 Blue Lock alumni occupy sixteen places in the squad (which should have 23-25 places). Probably two or three too many—ah well. I've alleged that some of the other squad members participated in the second Blue Lock program (which took place in... 2023, right around now lol). There's likely a few other older players from before Blue Lock's time, but it's really Isagi and friends' team.

Everybody knows team squads are synonymous with dating pools in Blue Lock. So, in considering who Barou might be shipped with, I had to think through where everyone was at in life, come January 2034, in my particular AU. Here's the lowdown:

Aiku (34) is currently working through his second divorce. He has a couple of kids. He remains good friends with his teammate Sendou (33), who plays for a Japanese club normally and does a lot of promotional work with sportwear companies.

Karasu (33), Otoya (32) and Shidou (33) represent something of a clique within the squad. The three play for French clubs, alongside Rin (31), who resents being mentioned in the same paragraph as them. Everyone but Otoya is outwardly single, as far as the media knows. Otoya dates influencers and idols.

Because Rin's home club is in France, he doesn't care to rent or purchase a place in Japan. Hiori (32), a long-time friend and Tokyo resident, agreed to let him stay at his apartment for the duration of the tournament. Hiori is single, and streams part-time. Players enjoy the juxtaposition between his gentle personality and the violent games he plays. He plays for the Kawasaki Breakers.

Sae (33) is based in the UK. He has won the Ballon D'Or twice. Although there's been speculation about the nature of his long-term friendship with Shidou, he refuses to speak about his personal life to the press.

Isagi (32) has lead his home club (Bastard Munchen) to victory in the Champions League twice, and he is widely regarded as one of the finest players of his generation. This World Cup will be the third he's contested, and his first as captain. He has stated publicly that third time's the charm. He is openly single, based in Munich. He started a charity to promote football in developing countries in 2027.

Bachira (32) has played for mostly Spanish clubs over the years. He's an advocate for youth football and does outreach work in schools both in Japan and Spain. He has auctioned his own artworks for charity. Not much is know about his personal life, despite his outgoing personality.

Nagi (32) was the face of Japanese football for the 2030 World Cup, in association with Reo (32). The two of them were inseparable following their days in Blue Lock, choosing to play at the same or neighbouring clubs throughout their careers. However, due to his father's untimely death, Reo stepped down from football two years previously. Since then, Nagi has been media shy. Despite his relative youth, there are rumours circulating that he intends to retire soon.

Niko (31) is a formidable centre-back who (with Aiku) forms the iron defence of the Japanese team. He's open about his neurodivergence and advocates for the inclusion of kids like himself in sports. It's understood he has a partner living in England, where he's based.

Fukaku (34) plays for a Japanese team, and has indicated his intention to retire after the 2034 World Cup tournament. As for Gagamaru (33), the man known as the world's best goalkeeper is notoriously reclusive. He is picky about what clubs he plays for, prioritising proximity to nature and the mountains over salary offers. As a result, he's mostly played for German clubs. Nothing is known about his relationship status.

FInally...

That leaves Barou (33) and Aryu (34). The duo play for Fiorentina. It's reported that the two share a villa together in the city's outskirts. Aryu has dabbled in modelling and fashion for many years, and his self-titled brand is steadily growing in renown.

Aryu speaks of Barou as his glamorous partner... but he calls next to everything glamorous, leaving the media stumped.

Barou, meanwhile, refuses to entertain fluff piece journalists and has neglected to comment on his relationship with the towering wingback. There is no record of any public affection between them both. However, the two are certainly very close. Last year, they both began sporting matching black rings.

[miloscat]

[Review] Air Twister (ATV)

A strange hybrid.

Another Apple Arcade title that caught my eye was this rail shooter. It seems to mash up two Sega classics: Space Harrier (flying person with a gun) and Panzer Dragoon (the lock-on shooting mechanic). Directed by Yu Suzuki through his company Ys Net, otherwise known for Shenmue 3, it certainly has that Sega pedigree! (He also directed the original Space Harrier you see, although he wasn't involved with Panzer Dragoon.)

The game kind of throws you in initially, so you might think it's a simple arcadey experience. Only after failing your first run does it reveal its broader scope (although the game itself doesn't shy away from oddly quoting Suzuki himself saying that the arcade mode is the real game and everything else is just extra). By defeating enemies in the main mode you gradually accumulate stars which unlock nodes in an "Adventure" map. These give you all sorts of things: extra max health, new weapons, charges for a slowdown ability, new cosmetic gear, etc.

This is how Air Twister artificially encourages a player to do extra runs of the main game's 12 stages, although I had fun trying out the different weapons by retackling the short campaign. Also unlockable are new modes of play, only most of them seem especially superfluous, not to mention expensive in stars since you only unlock individual stages at a time for these modes.

As for the game itself, it's pretty decent. Rail shooters like this often have trouble effectively depicting the depth of incoming projectiles to help the player avoid them, and this one certainly has that problem. As someone who grew up on Lylat Wars the enemy placements and formations seem a bit standard as well, and the basic combat lacks that visceral impact. The graphics have quite good fidelity but this seems to have come at the cost of model and texture pop-in, as well as occasional frame stuttering, which you really don't want with an action game like this.

Promotion for the game boasts of its touch and swipe controls, which I didn't test at all. I just used a controller for a more traditional experience, which the upcoming console port would seem to confirm is going to win out as the default scheme. Perhaps as a consequence of designing around direct touch control, there is no crosshair to help out controller players which makes lining up your lock-ons more difficult... or maybe that's part of its Space Harrier legacy, which also lacked this feature. Planet Harriers had a crosshair, pout pout.

An interesting feature of this game is that it represents a collaboration with Dutch music artist Valensia. His heavily Queen-inspired prog rock songs (a mix of old hits and newly composed tracks for this game) grant a very novel "rock opera" feel to the game experience. I don't tend to like lyrical songs in my video games, and they didn't really try to time the action to the music, but even so it's pretty cool to prominently feature this kind of music in a game.

Like many Apple Arcade games, this has the uncomfortable feel of hybridisation between console and mobile game design. It has daily and weekly goals, premium currencies, and even the dreaded timed events. The latter ran for just a month at a time last year (three in total) and their exclusive cosmetics are now inaccessible. I loathe this practice, and they seem to have stopped it, presumably while focusing on the console port. The app icon still hasn't even been changed away from a seasonal event which has been over for eight months. Baffling.

As it is, the odd compromises and decisions in the design of this game would probably destine this for footnote status in the Space Harrier legacy alongside Planet Harriers. Hopefully the console port tightens its focus and gets it more attention, because there's some nice stuff here. I didn't even mention the bizarre lore compendium or the cool environments which again hybridise the surrealist Space Harrier worlds with Panzer Dragoon's more grounded epic fantasy vibes, leading to some imaginative dreamy landscapes.

[duhragonball]

I finished Dragon Quest Monsters The Dark Prince over the weekend and teared up when i saw Toriyama's name on the credits. His and Horii's name are always the first names in the credits of the Dragon Quest games, usually in big bold letters.

I'm pretty sure the slime from Dragon Quest 1 was my first encounter with Akira Toriyama's art. It was localized as "Dragon Warrior" in the U.S. in 1989, and I remember my family playing it in the NES. I don't know if we bought it or it was a rental. I do know that I didn't get it at the time. The JRPG concept didn't make a lot of sense to me back then, and I only appreciated Final Fantasy I after resolving to make a serious effort to grind in the game. In the meantime, Dragon Quest 1 seemed baffling, what with the switch from the overhead map to the 1st-person POV for fighting. I think my brother beat it, but I didn't even try.

But I do remember the slimes very well. I mean, how could you forget them. I've heard it's often said that the slime is Toriyama's all-time greatest design, and it's tough to argue with that. Years later, the sequels started to feature Toriyama artwork on the cover, and it finally hit me that the Dragon Ball guy and the guy who designed the slimes in Dragon Warrior were the same person.

I should give DQ1 another try. I'm currently playing FF6, as part of a long quest to play all the classic Final Fantasy games, so I've clearly come around on JRPGs, and I've heard that Dragon Quest was the forerunner to Final Fantasy. Without Toriyama, there is no suplexing the train, which I just did tonight.

One thing that's refreshing about these past few days is that it's clear that Akira Toriyama's legacy is assured. The proper credit has been given. I know that people have pointed out that his dying at 68 is probably due to the strenuous working conditions that artists are put through in the manga industry, and there's probably some truth to that. I'm not saying his life got a fairytale ending. Still, it's just nice to see that he's fully acknowledged for his achievements. It's not like how DC Comics screwed over Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster for decades, or how Bob Kane took all the credit for creating Batman, leaving Bill Finger in relative obscurity. It's not like all the Marvel Comics writers and artists who don't see a dime for their creations being used in the MCU. Akira Toriyama's credit is prominently displayed whenever he's involved with something, and that's how it should be. I just wish that happened more often.

[beevean]

Honestly, while Michiru Yamane seems to be physically uncapable of composing a track that is less than great, I think I understood the reason why CoD has my favorite OST, even more than the highly popular (and also slappin’) SoTN

The tracks aren’t just well composed, and they don’t just have excellent instrumentation: I can picture perfectly Hector’s state of mind during the events.

Abandoned Castle isn’t just an “entrance” theme: usually entrance/first level themes are supposed to say “here’s your new badass protagonist, have fun!”, but this one sounds much more serious, the cold guitars and synth conveying Hector’s grief and determination to embark on his quest for revenge. The only other “character” themes that IMO convey the same level of emotions are An Empty Tome and Lament of Innocence.

Garibaldi Courtyard isn’t just a “cathedral” theme: the whole piece conveys awe at the place, but I also hear an unbearable sadness that I can’t even put into words. I can’t even connect it to the game, but it makes my heart swell and I am in love.

Forest of Jigramunt isn’t just a “forest” theme: the instruments paint a beautiful picture, of light shining through the foliage, but the intensity of the melody implies that Hector pays it no mind as he’s deadset on his vengeful mission, his anger tainting everything.

Cave of Jigramunt isn’t just a “cave” theme: while rather upbeat, the discordant chimes, deep choirs and strings manage to convey a “cursed” mood of a place you shouldn’t dwell in for too long. When you remember that this place hides a statue of the Evil God that gave Dracula his powers, it makes perfect sense.

Cordova Town isn’t just a “town” theme: the slow rhythm, the sound of the guitars, the thumping bass and the harshness of the synth (the same that plays in Abandoned Castle) don’t just fit the decrept look of the place, but also they make me imagine an exhausted Hector dragging his sword to the ground, only pushing forward because he has spotted Isaac in the distance.

Eneomaos Machine Tower isn’t just a “clock tower” theme: the piece starts with an elegant piano, but it gradually builds up to something more tense, until by the end of the loop the pressure of the journey is on Hector’s shoulders, who is literally forced to fight time. It’s also perhaps the only clock tower theme to feature a prominent clock sound, which helps the immersion. (special shout-out to the official rearrangement Narcisisstic Reflection; a better translation of the name could be “Recollection of Aestheticism”, and it fits how utterly beautiful and poignant it is)

Dracula’s Castle isn’t just a “final level” theme: after the harp intro, I keep picturing Hector throwing himself up the stairs, slashing all monsters without a second thought, heart racing because it’s all his fault, Dracula is back and it’s all his fault, Isaac played him like a fiddle, he can’t afford to make a single mistake now! (the fact that he sounds more guilt-ridden in the Japanese script makes me feel vindicated lol)

Insane Aristocracy isn’t just the theme of the fight against Isaac: it encapsulates his fury, violence and all-compassing madness, and the solo, that echoes the melody heard in the intro, barely gives more breathing room, to convey the tragedy of his situation. You could also choose to see it from Hector’s perspective, as he’s also enraged to fight his old friend, only to then realize “this is not him. This is not the Isaac that I knew. Something’s wrong. But I still must kill him”.

Legendary Belmont isn’t just the theme of the fight against Trevor: it’s the theme of Hector being petrified with fear as he realizes he’s locked in a room with the monster of a vampire hunter that slayed Lord Dracula, and wants him dead too. You can just feel the sheer panic and difference in power, thanks to the strings and the heavily distorted guitar.

Sarabande of Healing isn’t just a “shop” theme: it starts off as cozy and serene, because the place becomes like a little sanctuary for Hector, but then the celesta gives place to cellos, that you can choose to still see as cozy (I can see Hector resting in the chair as they play) or sorrowful, to paint Julia’s pain that she goes to great lengths to hide.

A Toccata in Blood Soaked Darkness isn’t just Dracula’s theme: it’s a seamless combination of Dracula’s imposing power and anger (the organs) and Hector’s determination to face him like a man this time (the drums), and the major chord midway through is a beacon of hope that Hector is now strong enough to defeat his old master. (side note, its older sibling Dark Night Toccata seems to go for the opposite approach: the organs fit Leon’s grief while the strings and drums fit Walter’s pompous, sadistic nature, and the piece is overall less hopeful. It’s interesting to compare the two, and LoI has a magnificent OST as well)

tl;dr i owe michiru yamane my whole life