#* except Des Hawke who is 6' tall

[mirandaputsherbestbuttforward]

Dragon Age Protagonists

Hero of Ferelden - Ibernia Brosca

Champion of Kirkwall - Desdemona Hawke

The Inquisitor - Zera Cadash

Rook - Ilona Laidir

[extinct-fish]

I should prolly mention this, but, two nights ago, me and mutual were kinda bored. She was designing Hawke's room (my character, but she has custody) and I had the dumbass idea to have her design the room of Thanatos for Chapters 6-7.

This is her design, I just gave her the description.

He opened the door to see the room he loved all the same. It was his own bedroom, fit with a perfect view of the full moon. The inside was decorated with various things from the mortal realm that were gathered and gifted to him by his thousands of siblings, although most were macabre things such as sacrificial objects, skulls of human sacrifices, and weapons. The skulls, to give a less-terrifying feel to the room, were painted with various patterns that one would think they were sugar skulls from Dia De Los Muertos celebrations. However, the sacrificial objects, well, you can’t really hide that it was ritualistic. However, Thanatos was quite creative, turning blades that had seen the blood of participants into angel wings formed of knives and daggers.  However, tucked against the window was a grand piano, something that seemingly stood out amidst his death-related room. In truth, it was his mother’s piano, which she would play lullabies to him when he was a little god. It was thanks to her that he had the rumored taste in music that rivaled Orpheus and Orchid’s own.

but I left out this other bit of detail that is also mentioned a little later- my bad!

Makoto looked at the bed. It seemed to be a massive coffin, and it seemed to be hand-carved and painted. It seemed quite large, perhaps meant to be a couple’s bed. That’s when he realized just how massive the room was. The sheer size of the room took him by surprise. ... Makoto looked towards a door, which looked heavy. He then pulled its handle, finding the door to be surprisingly light. What greeted him was various coffins, seemingly decorated with similar carvings, except for a handful of them, which were hung out of reach. It seems to be carvings of Nyx, Erebus, Hades, Persephone, Hestia, Athena, Artemis, Hemera, The Fates, and Hypnos. It seems that there was more space than Makoto realized, as it seemed to go on endlessly. ... Makoto then noted how the coffin bed seemed to be as tall as him. He blinked twice in disbelief, stunned by the size of it. He looked back at Thanatos, who was just twisting off the metal cap with the pliers. He sighed, trying to not focus on that and he hopped up, barely managing to get himself in bed. If I had to compare that, it’s like jumping up onto the stage in high school, which was only barely shorter than me, and I’m 4’9. He rolled over onto the soft bed, finding it to be soft as clouds, the closest thing I can think of being an air mattress. He just laid there, amazed by the softness. He then crawled up to the pillows, which were quite massive, and stunningly soft. He curled up near it, nuzzling the cloud-like pillow.

so yeah, this is what Thanatos' room roughly looks like.

[red-wardens]

Red-Warden’s OCs: Champion of Kirkwall

Worldstate 1:  Akono Hawke the “Chaotic Chill Champion of Kirkwall”

Basics: anarchy and wit and chill. Jack-of-all-trades mage (knows one basic spell from each school of magic) but specializes in Ice magic. Is also a skilled Spirit Healer. Magic manifested at age 11 when he made it snow indoors on a very hot summer’s day to keep the twins cool. Varric’s nickname for him: “Frost”. Gay/Grey-sexual. Fenris Romance.

Physical: age 25-32 (DA2) and 36 (Inquisition), 6′4, tall, strong well-muscled build, very muscular arms, colorless/silver eyes, black hair in thick cornrow braids, brown skin tone, black well-trimmed beard, dark purple face tattoos, handsome. Modern AU he is half white/half African-American coded with Nigerian ancestry. 

Psychological: Purple Hawke (almost exclusively, except a few Blue moments with Leandra and Carver). Chill, funny in a dry way, introverted, shy, impressively patient, brilliant visionary and planner, prefers not to lead directly but pull strings from the shadows or behind a mask. There’s a million ideas always running through his head but he focuses these many ideas, narrowing down those that are illogical and discardable. His intelligence propels him in everything he does, shaping his values, shifting his actions. Akono is passionate about equal rights and overthrowing oppressive establishments- but still maintains a healthy sense of humor and ease. Painfully empathetic but hides it; Devout Andrastian but anti-chantry. Chaotic Good

Decisions: Carver became a Grey Warden, Dueled the Arishok (was not Basalit-an), Sided with Templars publicly most of Acts 1 and 2 (lets mages escape when Templars weren’t involved) to gain their trust (his plan was to get Meredith alone somewhere to assassinate her). Did not help Anders place bomb in chantry. In the end, sided with Orsino/Mages. Killed Anders by his request (to become a martyr the mage rebellion could idolize). Privately agreed with Anders, but publicly will deny it. Survives Adamant (Loghain left in the Fade).

Relationships: Full/high Friendships with everyone (including Carver) except  Merrill, closest with Isabela and Varric. He looks out for her as if she were his little sister but she doesn’t forgive him for not giving her the tool to fix the Eluvian (full Rivalry). Considers Aveline Vallen and Sebastian Vael family, but has few other close friendships due to his shyness and preference for privacy. Main party: Act 1- [Carver, Isabela, Varric] Act 2/3 - [Fenris, Isabela, Varric]

After Kirkwall: Stays for a little while to help rebuild Kirkwall, but leaves a few months after, using his gold to buy Isabela a new ship. Leaves his mabari “Tor” to Aveline. Brings Fenris with him and the three become pirate liberators on the seas, hunting down slaver ships and freeing the slaves (while adding gold and ships to their fleet). Does this for years up till Inquisition while accumulating wealth to hire mercenaries. Is planning to lead the last slave rebellion of Tevinter and overthrow the Archon. Will seek aid from Inquisitor Adaar. Writes to Warden Carver regularly (they’re very close).

Links: Aesthetic Tag // Pinterest Board //

Worldstate 2: Henley Hawke the “Red Queen of Starkhaven”

Basics: tired eyes and sharp edges and spite. Arcane/Earth focused Mage (Specialization: Blood Mage). Has great difficulty learning any kind of creation/healing spells. Magic manifested late at age 16 when she caused a small earthquake while in a very bad mood after being slighted by a nobleman bachelor. Varric’s nickname for her: “Queen of Hearts”, formerly “Queen of My Heart.” (”Queenie” for short). Biromantic/Asexual. Sebastian Rivalmance.

Physical: age 25-32 (DA2) and 36 (Inquisition), 5′10, tall and slender, gray eyes, shoulder length burgundy red hair (secret: exact color is maintained with magic) styled into loose curls daily, pale skin, dark smoky eye make-up to hide dark raccoon eyes from lack of sleep. Suffers from anemia, chronic insomnia, and night-terrors since childhood. Resting bitch face but is strikingly lovely anyways. Modern AU she is Irish coded. Faceclaim: Elizabeth Gillies

Psychological: Red Hawke (almost exclusively, except a rare Purple remark at Varric). Difficult to faze but stubborn. Vain, selfish, paranoid, antisocial, but well-educated and can hold stimulating conversation on a wide variety of subjects. Is often mean for the sake of getting people’s reactions; full of blunt criticism. Too straight-forward to ever lie or be sarcastic. Exceptional memory for names of people and places, important events. Can mingle with mobility effortlessly. Easily bribed, considers every deal with demon but rarely actually accepts. Very motivated by the goal of an easy, luxurious life and more than willing to marry money to achieve this goal. Is unbothered by any killing she does to get her way but does not actively enjoy it. Neutral Evil 

Decisions: Carver became a Templar, Refused to duel the Arishok and instead team battled (was not Basalit-an), Sided with Templars most of Acts 1 and 2 so they wouldn’t bother her. Helped Anders place bomb in chantry. In the end, sided with Orsino/Mages after flipping a coin (she didn’t care for either side and would have picked Templars if Meredith had paid). Approved of Anders but executed him to keep Sebastian. Survives Adamant (Alistair left in the Fade).

Relationships: Full Rivalry with everyone (including Carver) except for Varric Tethras (full Friendship). Generally, she is awful, and Varric is the only real friend she’s had in her life and she is begrudgingly in love with him through the 3 years between Acts 1 and 2. After he betrays her in the Fade, she begins to pursue Sebastian out of desire to become Queen of Starkhaven. Over the years, she comes to tolerate and eventually love him. She is loyal to Aveline though they dislike each other (like sisters with a love-hate relationship). Oddly attached to her elf servant Oranna, she considers her “hers” and is very protective possessive.  Main party: Act 1- [Carver, Varric, Anders] Act 2- [Aveline, Sebastian, Anders] Act 3 - [Aveline, Sebastian, Varric].

After Kirkwall: Leaves to Starkhaven with Sebastian most immediately after defeating Meredith. Gives her mabari “BC” (”Better Carver”) to Merrill. Brings her servant Orana with her as she is the only one she trusts to serve her loyally. Becomes Arcane Advisor to the Prince of Starkhaven and eventually his fiancé then wife. Becomes known as “the Red Queen”.

Links: Aesthetic Tag // Pinterest Board // 5-Gif Summary

Worldstate 3: Claira Hawke the "Bluebird"

Basics: conversation and anxiety and adaptation; Alyss Amell’s cousin. Short-bow Rogue (Specialization: Shadow). Varric’s nickname for her: “Bluebird”. Bisexual. Anders Romance (after Fenris Rivlamance). 

Physical: age 25-32 (DA2) and 36 (Inquisition), 5′5, average build on the softer side due to eating carbs and sweets constantly, toned legs maintained by daily running and stretching; wide hazel eyes with under-eye bags, dark brown hair down to mid-back kept in a messy bun on top of her head, fair skin tone, freckles, red lipstick, wears a red-hooded cape.  Faceclaim: Lydia Graham

Psychological: Blue Hawke (60% Blue, 40% Red); devoted but dynamic, brave but panics easily, smart but naive, easily excited but easily depressed; friendly but with a savage temper, values peace, foul-mouth though tries to control it. Doesn’t really know who she is but does her best. Devout Andrastian but kinda slutty (in just her time in Kirkwall she sleeps with: Athenril, Fenarel, Fenris, Isabela, Templar Hugh, Cyril de Montfort, Anders, a tal-vashoth, and propositioned Seneschel Bran but he turned her down); uses hookups and casual sex as a coping mechanism for stress, also may have commitment issues. Modern AU she is English coded and has diagnosed Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder. Neutral Good

Decisions: Bethany died in the Deep Roads, Dueled the Arishok (was Basalit-an), Vocally and actively sided with mages all Acts 1 and 2, Emotionally manipulated into helping romanced Anders place bomb in chantry. Sided with Orsino/Mages. Spared Anders and tells him to “just go”. Survives Adamant (Stroud left in the Fade).

Relationships: Full Friendships everyone except for Fenris (full Rivalry) due to bringing him everywhere while being very vocal and helpful to the “freedom for mages!” cause. Gets along well with everyone due to intense desire to please and be liked but has few close friends (Aveline and Merrill). Main party: Act 1- [Fenris, Bethany, Merrill] Act 2/3 - [Fenris, Merrill, Anders]

After Kirkwall: Flees Kirkwall with Anders immediately and though she’s broken up with him out of anger for the lives lost (disapproved) in the Kirkwall Chantry, she comes to forgive him eventually but they do split up and go their seperate ways. A couple months later she realizes she is pregnant and sends a distress raven to her friends. Aveline is busy in Kirkwall holding off Sebastian’s invasion, and Varric is already captured by Cassandra, but Merrill, Fenris, Isabela come and help keep her safe through her pregnancy. They eventually part ways again about a year or so later, except for her best friend Merrill who stays by her side. They eventually become romantically involved, raising Claira’s son Silas together.

Links: Aesthetic Tag // Pinterest Board // 5-Gif Summary

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Check out my Heroes of Ferelden!

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New York Today: New York Today: Finding the Perfect Tree

New Post has been published on http://usnewsaggregator.com/new-york-today-new-york-today-finding-the-perfect-tree/

New York Today: New York Today: Finding the Perfect Tree

Photo

The holiday season is here. Credit Victor J. Blue for The New York Times

Good morning on this seasonable Friday.

As you figure out what to do with your Thanksgiving leftovers, it’s time for many New Yorkers to begin preparing for the next holiday season.

Buying the perfect Christmas tree for a tiny studio apartment or a spacious living room can feel overwhelming. So we sat down with veterans in the business to collect the best tree-hunting tips.

What tree should you buy?

The most popular tree you’ll see being sold on New York sidewalks is the Frasier Fir. This bushy evergreen has a mild, aromatic scent. “It has the least amount of needle fall, which people appreciate,” Scott Lechner, the manager of SoHo Trees, said.

The Balsam Fir is well known for its strong and spacious branches, which makes it a perfect tree for ornamentations. It’s also one of the most aromatic species. “They’re more Rockwellian, more traditional, more Americana,” Mr. Lechner said.

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The Noble Fir is the “Cadillac of Christmas trees,” according to Greg Walsh, owner of Greg’s Trees. These regal evergreens are mostly shipped from the Northwest, which makes them pricier than other trees.

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The Nordmann Fir, vendors said, is the rarest and most expensive of all Christmas trees. Originally from the Caucus Mountains, the Nordmann Fir is known for its attractive foliage and silver hue. “It’s the most elegant of Christmas trees,” Mr. Lechner said.

What’s a good price for a Christmas tree?

Average prices range from about $35 to $200.

Prices primarily vary according to the size of the tree. (The most common size for New York apartments is 5 to 6 feet tall.)

Trees shipped from the Northwest Pacific states and Canada tend to be more expensive because of high shipping costs.

And like city real estate, location matters. Sellers adjust their prices for the neighborhood they’re selling in — places like SoHo and Williamsburg tend to have pricier trees.

But you can negotiate. Vendors said it’s part of the tradition, and they’ll help you find a tree that fits your budget.

Where can you buy a Christmas tree?

Garden stores, sidewalk vendors, and supermarkets and big-box stores, like Whole Foods and Home Depot.

There are also 18 designated parks and playgrounds with vendors — like Washington Market Park in Manhattan and McCarren Park in Brooklyn.

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And you can buy trees online.

Where do Christmas trees come from?

Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan and Pennsylvania harvest the most Christmas trees in the nation. Frasier Firs sold in New York are mostly shipped from North Carolina, while Douglas Firs are largely from Pennsylvania, sellers said. High-quality sellers in New York said they also ship their trees from Canada, especially from the Beauce region near Quebec.

Here’s what else is happening:

Weather

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With a high near 50, it’s like the weather knows it’s time for sidewalk shopping. Now all you need is some hot cider.

Be sure to look up from your phone or shopping bags this Black Friday and appreciate the clear skies and crisp fall temperature. Saturday is looking to be even nicer, with a high in the mid-50s. Then things will cool a bit on Sunday.

In the News

• Security was prominent at this years Thanksgiving Day parade, but paradegoers seemed to mostly focus on the balloons and floats passing by. [New York Times]

Photo

The singing Christmas tree float, a new addition to this year’s parade. Credit Vincent Tullo for The New York Times

• Despite losing their homes to a fire that ripped through an apartment building in Upper Manhattan, dozens of families joined together for a Thanksgiving dinner. [New York Times]

• The Trump SoHo hotel, struggling financially, is dropping the president’s name. On a recent night, some guests embraced the brand, while others were simply there for a cheap room. [New York Times]

• A man from Sudan’s dream to move to the United States came true when he obtained a visa and settled into Brooklyn. Now he dreams of one day reuniting with the wife he left behind. [New York Times]

• After spending 28 years in prison, a Connecticut man was freed the day before Thanksgiving when he entered an Alford plea: pleading guilty to lesser charges without admitting guilt. [New York Times]

Photo

Leroy Harris, left, greeted his sister and niece outside New Haven Correctional Facility. Credit Jessica Hill for The New York Times

• The former congressman Maurice D. Hinchey, who built a reputation as a champion of environmental advocacy and blue-collar workers, died at 79. [New York Times]

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• Meet the two men who are competing for what may be the most coveted job on Wall Street: running Goldman Sachs. [New York Times]

• Nickelodeon’s relentlessly cheerful animated character, SpongeBob SquarePants, has made his Broadway debut with a $20 million musical that “explodes off the stage.” [New York Times]

• The New York Police Department named Terence Monahan the new chief of department. [New York Post]

• In a class-action suit filed against the city, a family living in New York City Housing Authority units claim their child’s health was damaged as a result of lead-poisoned water. [NBC New York]

• Today’s Metropolitan Diary: “The Cranky Fishmonger”

• For a global look at what’s happening, see Your Morning Briefing.

Coming Up Today

• Burn off that turkey with guided hikes through Alley Pond Park in Queens, Central Park in Manhattan, Willowbrook Park on Staten Island, Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx and Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Times vary. [Free]

• Join the National Park Service and Lower Manhattan Historical Association to celebrate the end of the American Revolution, with a parade, performances and more at Federal Hall and Evacuation Plaza. 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. [Free]

• George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” returns for the season with performances by the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center, through Dec. 31. 8 p.m. [Ticket prices vary]

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• Laugh off your Thanksgiving leftovers at “Decorative Soap: The Truth is in the Turkey,” a soap opera-themed comedy show at the Peoples Improv Theater Loft in Chelsea. 9 p.m. [$7]

• Nets host Trail Blazers, noon. (YES). Islanders at Flyers, 4 p.m. (MSG+). Devils host Canucks, 7 p.m. (MSG+). Rangers host Red Wings, 7 p.m. (MSG 2). Knicks at Hawks, 7:30 p.m. (MSG).

• Alternate-side parking remains in effect until Dec. 8.

• Weekend travel hassles: Check subway disruptions and a list of street closings.

The Weekend

Saturday

• Check out the Holiday Train Show, a display of model locomotives zipping through famous city landmarks, at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. [Prices vary]

• The Brooklyn Holiday Bazaar brings local vendors, food and drink, live music and activities to 501 Union and the Green Building in Gowanus, Brooklyn. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., through Sunday. [Free admission]

• Take a Thanksgiving kitchen tour, where you can learn about colonial cuisine while tasting some old-world recipes, at Historic Richmond Town on Staten Island. 1 to 5 p.m., through Sunday. [$8]

• See the musician and singer Oscar D’León, “El Gigante De La Salsa,” in a concert at the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts in the Bronx. 8 p.m. [Tickets start at $50]

• Islanders at Senators, 7 p.m. (MSG+). Devils at Red Wings, 7 p.m. (MSG+2). Knicks at Rockets, 8 p.m. (MSG).

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Sunday

• Children can jam out to the music of Bob Marley during a family-friendly concert at Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg. 11:30 a.m. [$12]

• A choir and symphony orchestra perform “Messiah…Refreshed,” a modern take on Handel’s “Messiah,” at Carnegie Hall in Midtown Manhattan. 2 p.m. [Ticket prices vary]

• … And the New York Eastern Symphonic Orchestra plays a concert celebrating Albanian Independence Day at St. George Theatre on Staten Island. 7 p.m. [Tickets start at $50]

• Looking ahead: On Wednesday, TimesTalks hosts an advance screening of “I, Tonya,” a film about the scandalous American figure skater Tonya Harding, followed by a conversation with the actor Margot Robbie and director Craig Gillespie.

• Jets host Panthers, 1 p.m. (FOX). Rangers host Canucks, 2 p.m. (MSG). Nets at Grizzlies, 6 p.m. (YES).

• For more events, see The New York Times’s Arts & Entertainment guide.

And Finally…

Photo

A Manhattan tree market in 1903. Credit via Library of Congress

How did Christmas trees first pop-up on New York City sidewalks?

It is long believed that a woodsman from the Catskills by the name of Mark Carr was the first to sell Christmas trees in New York — in 1851. A couple of weeks before Christmas Day that year, Mr. Carr loaded two ox sleds with “thrifty young firs and spruces” and headed for the city, according to an 1878 New York Daily Tribune article.

He paid a silver dollar for the right to sell his lot of trees on a strip of sidewalk at Vesey and Greenwich Streets in TriBeCa. His evergreens quickly sold out. He returned the next year and other peddlers followed his lead, establishing the prosperous holiday sidewalk tree industry.

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By 1880, more than 200,000 trees were being shipped to New York each year.

In the 1930s, the former Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia, seeking to reduce street peddling, established regulations that would require vendors to apply for selling permits. After much public outcry, the City Council in 1938 adopted what has been called the “coniferous tree exception,” which allows vendors to sell and display Christmas trees on a sidewalk without a permit in December as long as they have the permission of owners fronting the sidewalk and keep a corridor open for pedestrians.

The rule has brought flocks of vendors from across the country and the pleasant smell of pine trees to New York City ever since.

New York Today is a morning roundup that is published weekdays at 6 a.m. If you don’t get it in your inbox already, you can sign up to receive it by email here.

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