#Choice vs Cauldron

[highladyjane]

Love vs. Fate

ACOTAR foreshadowed the whole love triangle with this

Which I believe is the background for this part of this interview - where sure, Sarah may try to play things off:

But I find that interesting, because TOG's ending clearly said this (Kingdom of Ash, Ch.98)

And CC's ending said this (House of Flame and Shadow, Ch. 98)

So isn't it funny that all of SJM's books are all about defying Gods, Odds, and Fate through acts of True Love, aaaand people still think that Elain, Azriel, AND Lucien are just going to do what everyone and that corrupted Cauldron expects and tells them to do in the end because "Sarah's a fated mates author", and because that's what they've been doing their whole lives prior to encountering each other?

Can't people connect the dots and see the real pattern of her books? Because it's pretty frickin' obvious to me.

"What if the Cauldron was wrong?" is just the beginning of fighting for that HEA.

And I am sorry, not sorry, because as of ACOFAS, ACOSF, and the bonus chapters, there's not a single hint of Elain wanting to bridge the gap with her Cauldron-given mate... But rather a lot of her initiating the bridging of a gap between her and a certain Shadowsinger/Spymaster who confirms in his very own POV that he has feelings for her, but has been trying to stay away because he struggles with feelings of unworthiness - especially because a damned Cauldron gave her to another on top of that.

So if Elain's choosing anyone, it won't be because of any mating bond. No, Elain...

I may be primarily pro Elriel but I'm also pro-Lucien, so I want him to be happy too. I just think he deserves someone who readily wants and chooses him back, mating bond or not... So I am pretty sure he's asking the very same questions Az is asking. Sure, Elucien can still happen -there's just going to have to be a great deal of retconning, including ignoring all the build-up and crumbs Sarah has scattered throughout her books to make it feel unforced. But just like with Rhys' or Tamlin's etc. parents, not everyone accepting their mating bond is going to guarantee a HEA. And once Lucien finds out about his true parentage and the truth about the Cauldron, now that he's an exile with no High Lord to submit to... I'm pretty sure he's going to start finally fighting about what he truly thinks is right and his own freedom to choose and to love - something he didn't get to do for Jesminda. And no, it wouldn't be through a Blood Duel for a mate that was "thrown at him".

So there's no need for "I just want ______ to be happy" or "_____ doesn't deserve ______." Because none of these 3 are going to end up without a HEA in an SJM book where a character can barely stay dead for longer than 3 minutes.

[liyahsim]

Vampires vs Witches Collection - Formal Outfit

This is the second part of the Halloween collaboration with my friend @luxysims! (you can check the first part here) And I saw what she had to say about my beloved vampires so here I come with a reply!

Dear witches, do you really think you could win this battle with just magic and brooms? 🧛‍♂️🖤 Come on!

Let's talk about those potions you're all hyping up. Seriously? Witches and their love remedies 💖 are like those 3 a.m. infomercial ads: they never work and make you wonder why you lost faith in humanity. Instead, us vampires just look at someone and bam! One bite and we have a new "friend" for eternity. 💔 And what if witches try to do something really shocking? Oh, sorry, it's hard when you spend hours in the cauldron trying to find a recipe for "true love."

Let's talk about elegance: sure, witches' aesthetics are... unique. But come on, they look like they came out of a bad casting for a low-budget horror movie. 🎃👻 While we vampires take elegance to a new level; while the only "trend" for witches is not dying of embarrassment when a spell goes wrong. And don't even get us started on your hats, they might just give someone the evil eye. 😈

As for going out during the day, of course, we may be a little lazy, but who needs a ray of sunshine when the night is where we truly shine? ☀️💔 Also, while you girls are enjoying your coffee meetings in the daylight, we are at a party, enjoying the company of the living... or those who are a little less alive. At the end of the day, we prefer to have a nice dinner, with a special "touch", of course. 🍷🩸

So, friends, make a smart choice: join the vampires. We promise you an eternity full of mystery, elegance, and a touch of dark humor that will make the witches jealous. After all, life is short... but eternity with us is infinitely more fun.

And at the end of the day, there's always room for one more vampire at the party… especially if they bring human snacks. See you in the evening. And remember, we're on the dark side for a reason. 🌑🦇

AND UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES READ HER NEW POST, YOU RISK GETTING WARTS!!😈😈

My part of the collection:

DOWNLOAD   [ EARLY ACCESS ]

DOWNLOAD   [ FREE ACCESS ]  Public release october 26th

@luxysims part of the collection:

DOWNLOAD   [ EARLY ACCESS ]

DOWNLOAD   [ FREE ACCESS ]  Public release october 26th

@maxismatchccworld​  @sssvitlanz @coffee-cc-finds @sims4finds @lanaccfind @cchunters   @c12ccfinds  @mmoutfitters @mmfinds @emilyccfinds @redheadsims-cc @cccorner @wysidiacc @ccsimsfindss4 @cccorner @lotusplumbob @toastyccfinds @cookiesccfinds @strangecowplantfinds @shaenaeccfinds @eanyroseccfinds @kairasimsccfinds @anikasims @blueishccfinds @petiteluneccfind @alt-lanaccfinds

[tidal-graves]

“Elain’s story is about fate vs choice”

Who's going to tell them that Azriel (the guy whose self worth is in the ground and is desperate for love) only started showing interest in Elain when he noticed she was fawning over him (and was literally drawing straws to avoid her like a few weeks beforehand-- left her to wither away in her room for months)? And how his biggest defense for why he should be with her is because “the cauldron could be wrong,” showing that he does indeed value the mating bond, is fighting for a MATE not Elain-- and that it goes against the entire point of a rejected storyline, which is that Elain’s life ISN’T tied to fate.

If E/riels really cared about Elain’s choice they’d want her to actually go out and explore the world instead of thinking her having a crush on one of the three male faes she knows is “true love.” They care so much for Elain that they don’t think Elain’s insight or POV will matter and that she has actually completely healed/accepted her new life off page.

[lovemyromance]

why are we acting like it's such a crazy idea that the Elucien mating bond is fake/wrong or that Elain might have 2 bonds??

Evidence:

Elain& Lucien literally don't act like any other mates we have seen in ACOTAR. They avoid each other like 99% of the time (by choice). And no, I'm sorry, but shrinking away from Lucien and flat out leaving the room when he's there is NOT the same as Feyre throwing a shoe at Rhys and Nesta kicking Cassian in the balls. There's a thin line between love and hate, but there's an ocean of indifference. Feyre & Nesta were not *uncomfortable* around Rhys & Cassian. Elain is uncomfortable around Lucien. Feyre/Nesta could not stay away from their mates- literally Nesta avoided Cassian for a grand total of 30 pages maybe. Elucien vs Feysand/Nessian is NOT the same.

SJM has already written a pairing where both people were "given to another", thought to have a mating bond with someone else that turned out to be fake. Then they ended up being "true mates" i.e. this isn't something Elriels just made up. SJM has literally done it before with Rowan & Aelin. She didn't care much for being a "fated mates" author when she broke up Rowan and Lydia, did she?

Feyre questions the bond between Elucien twice. She even suggests "Why not make them mates" in regards to Azriel & Elain. Let me be crystal clear when I say this: Feyre saw Nesta hissing and spitting at Cassian for 3 books before they got together and not once did Feyre ever question the Nessian bond. Sure she didn't *know* for sure they were mates, but I'm sure she suspected enough. She did not once hesitate to leave Cassian with Nesta.

In the ACOTAR world, SJM has made it clear not all mates were love matches. If every "fated mates" couple was meant to be an eternal, beautiful bond of love - then why did she write Rhys's & Tamlin's parents as being mates that despised each other? If every single mating bond in the. ACOTAR universe was happily mated and in love, then I wouldn't be arguing against the Elucien bond. But they're not. If SJM believed that all fated mates are living in happily ever after - why did she write about the cauldron not pairing people up for love but for powerful offspring? Why did she write about Rhys & Tamlin's parents? You can't say SJM is a fated mates author and all fated mates end up happy and in love if that is not the case, even in the same series.

SJM has tweeted back in like 2017 about how it's possible for someone to have two mates

It's literally all there in the text. No deep analysis needed, no "omg I think this shadow over this leaf means that Elain and azriel are foreshadowed" crazy reaches. simply picking up what SJM has already put down. She is painstakingly building Elriel brick by brick in the background, and if you don't realize it until the house is built, that's on you bestie. Not Elriels. Not SJM.

[animezinglife]

Maybe it's my age talking, but I do think the Azriel vs. Lucien thing is blown way out of proportion.

There's a difference between attraction and being in love with someone, and another difference still between having a crush and being in love.

TL/DR: I genuinely think the biggest piece people overlook in this Azriel vs. Lucien puzzle is Elain herself and the layers of her internal conflict. Personally, I suspect it's much bigger than them both.

Here's the thing:

Azriel is gorgeous and is basically described as looking like a dark, fallen angel. He went into Hybern's war camp and got her out of there alongside Feyre, took her in his arms and flew her to safety. He's been kind to her, too. He hasn't pushed her to talk and has a quiet, strong presence that I'm sure is quite comforting to her.

There is zero expectation with him--zero pressure that she would even be able to create in her own mind. There's no "mate" term dangling over them and no friends or family breathing down their necks at every turn, acting like they should be supervised for something they didn't do. They're the only two people in their current circle (exempting Mor, though that's a bit different) who are still single. They both are constantly bombarded with this idea of "mates" and being on the outside of what that means.

I don't think it would be a reach at all to call her and Az friends.

It's not odd or confusing to me at all that she would have a crush on him; be attracted to him, want him to kiss her, or even to sleep with him. It seems completely natural.

I would argue that Az has been a gentleman towards her (and I will stand by the fact that internal frustrations are very different than actions, and that something expressed in confidence to your brother is nowhere near the same as acting out of turn), but I also wonder, too, if there's a part of her that makes her think she doesn't want a gentleman right now.

That while she's handled her trauma very differently than Nesta (thank the Cauldron), there's a part of her that's taken that robbing of life to heart and Graysen's whiny bitch comments/rejection to heart. That it's impacted her self-worth to make her think she is something "other" that's beyond saving or isn't worth the kind of fairytale love she always dreamed of for herself.

If I read into it perhaps a bit too much, I think Az is a little off when he assumes Elain doesn't know about the types of things he's done, whether that be atrocities or something more private. She might even see her involvement in killing Hybern to be some dark thing outside her nature she's having difficulty coming to terms with.

I'm not at all saying Az isn't a good guy who's deserving of love too, but I don't think what Elain's looking for with him in that extra chapter has much of anything to do with love. I think she wants a distraction with someone she thinks understands.

I think there's a chance, too, she's overwhelmed by Lucien being in the same house. Overwhelmed by that strong, involuntary pull she feels towards him and that she doesn't know what to make of him at all.

I will say it until I'm blue in the face, but I genuinely think the only barrier--the only real issue--that prevents her from warming to Lucien in the same or a similar way is that heavy, life-altering M-word that got slapped onto them both on arguably the worst day of her life.

He hasn't had the luxury of being around her as part of her family like Az has. Hasn't had the luxury of Elain seeing him fully through her own eyes without the "mate" label being forced into their lives. Yet it doesn't lessen the pull she has towards him, and that combined with everything she's experienced of mates thus far can't exactly be easy to process, especially after a brutal rejection, lost love, and lost future.

She isn't able right now to see the bond as a choice.

She doesn't even get the chance to evolve naturally into seeing it as a choice with the way her family hovers and breathes down her neck. How suddenly the most un-purity culture people in existence magically start caring a great deal about Elain's choices in that regard and insert themselves into chaperone roles like Elain and Lucien are two teenagers who can't control themselves at a junior high dance.

How confusing and contradictory that must be for Elain, who's been condescended and told by her sisters (namely Nesta) that the Fae don't live by human customs when it comes to sex or anything of the like. How the one time she did take that chance with someone she thought she loved it only got thrown back in her face by both Graysen and Nesta?

And what do we know about Lucien? He's devastatingly beautiful. Elegant yet rakish. An intelligent, educated, trained courtier and the son of a high lord. Even Feyre--a happily mated female--can't go five minutes in her internal monologues without noting how attractive and sexy he is even when he's doing absolutely nothing and minding his own business.

She knows he's Feyre's friend. She's heard some of the stories there. So she is aware, then, of at least some of the qualities her sister sees and admires in him despite their current rocky relationship.

Lucien is, in every way, being respectful of Elain's wishes and giving her space even though her rejection hurts him. He's still warring with the guilt of his own lost love in his mind and with a sense of unworthiness. He's been achingly thoughtful towards her; the epitome of a gentleman.

Elain would know that especially with that bond she doesn't fully understand, he's not someone she could simply have a pleasant distraction with. That he's someone who could see through her in every way she wants to hide and that she would never be able to hide in the mere idea that he simply doesn't press her (in the way Az doesn't press her).

Az feels safe right now and someone still attached to her comfort zone. He's a place she can continue to hide without fully facing her present and future and all Prythian is.

She can't hide her pain or suffering from Lucien in the same way. She can't quietly stare out the window into the sunlight without him knowing and feeling exactly what she needs.

She knows--senses--that she won't be able to separate the most vulnerable fragments of herself from her bond with Lucien. Again, a bond she didn't choose, and doesn't currently see that she still has a choice in.

So, she turns away from it in every way she knows how and looks for new ways to do so.

The way people treat Elain when it comes to her love life is so predictably (to her) unlike how Feyre and Nesta have been treated. Elain has always been different from them both, especially when it comes to love and sex. She's more modest and more reserved; has never been the type to fall into bed with some random man or Fae male. She's more guarded; a bit more protective of her own heart.

Maybe, to some extent, there's something she feels she needs to prove to herself. That she can fit within this more sexually liberated Fae world and that she's not some outsider in need of being treated with kid gloves.

Az, in that capacity, is definitely not someone who will. He's also not someone she can't keep her guard up with and can't keep her vulnerability from.

It would not surprise me either if there's a part of her that wants to deter Luicen (thinking back to Mor's tactic of deterring Azriel when she slept with Helion), but more strongly and importantly, to deter and distract herself from the bond. She doesn't want to allow herself to feel anything towards him.

The fact that she does feel a strong pull and, more likely than not, an overwhelming attraction of some kind makes me think it wasn't fully coincidence that she approached Az on Solstice when Lucien was in the same house.

I think she very much wanted to tie someone else to what she's feeling and try to get Lucien, the bond, and that dreaded M-word out of her mind.

Running the risk of sounding crude, Az could probably achieve that at least temporarily.

But it'd come right back. It's always been interesting to me that everyone seems to note that their bond is strong despite nothing having happened between them yet.

Until Elain acknowledges that bond and Lucien one way or another, that internal conflict she's clearly feeling is never going to change for her.

Two things can be true at once: we can fully acknowledge that neither Elain nor Lucien had a choice in the bond snapping between them, and that until they face it, neither one of them are going to have much choice in anything else at all. Not beyond a meaningless tangle in the sheets with someone else.

I think it would've been worse in the long run for Elain to learn that the hard way.

I also genuinely don't think Elain understands that there's nothing wrong with her for being different than her sisters or being different than the Fae norms. That there's nothing wrong with her for struggling to process this or for being overwhelmed.

She's still healing. She still has wounds she hasn't addressed. She's still hiding and seeking distractions while growing restless about wanting more from her life and being frustrated by her sisters' low expectations.

Feyre and Nesta love her, and it's not the protectiveness from love in itself that's wrong.

But they're suffocating her.

Lucien is, in every way, a person who never could. He's something so different and "other" than what she's used to both as a human and as a Fae while also being a bridge between those worlds. He can function in both. He can thrive in both.

He can see, perhaps too clearly, all sides of her whether she likes it or not.

I think she also very much senses he's the type she could fall in love with. The type she'll never be able to fully distract herself from if she lets herself fall or take that leap.

Her heart's still wounded, and she's not ready to risk opening that again right now.

That doesn't mean she won't be later on, and that doing so won't be incredibly worth it.

She will never find herself or open that chance up to herself, though, if she also keeps hiding in only the channels she knows. The barriers--intentional or otherwise--set around her by her sisters.

I do think that's inevitably going to be the difference between them, though: Elain and Lucien are going to face their reality and find healing together and in each other, and in the process, are going to end up falling in love. Real, true, soulful love.

Lucien's love is the kind that will leave her wondering why she ever thought she'd known what love is in the first place, and what they could find in each other is the kind of love they both deserve.

I cannot wait to see Elain facing her fears when she's fully free to do so. I can't wait to see her getting to know Lucien without the IC watching their every move and making her feel like a caged animal. I can't wait to see her find her strength, her love, and the fullest extent of her freedom.

That's not to say that Az would not have many wonderful qualities he could offer her too, but the person she's going to find more of herself than she every thought possible with is Lucien.

Az, in my humble opinion, is likely going to end up with someone else. An actual mate where he'll find his own healing alongside.

[emmitaaa4]

look i just find it a little funny that people—for the past 3 years—have been adamant that Azriel’s book is next ergo gwonriel is next... undoubtedly: they have the nb of appearances on their side (💀). it was THE argument.

and we were crazy and lacked common sense for saying elain’s book was coming and that the increased presence of Az + his secrets revolving around Elain = he gets the 2nd PoV in Elain’s book. outrageous fr.

… it’s not really the G/A ship that bothers me, it’s the lack of logic.

The “Az book” insistance exposes the recency bias, but also the flaws in their reasoning:

elain’s story being pushed aside in favour of a necklace/ribbon-centered love triangle (opposing 2 women) that originated in a bonus chapter… really?

the idea that gwyn would get a PoV before elain (let go of character preferences for a second and ✨ponder✨).

worst yet: in general, Gwyn only ever serves as a LI in their theories, a sidekick to Az & Nes because gwyn isn’t directly nor uniquely tied to any plot point (atp).

the way they gaslighted ppl into thinking more training & libraries & HoW gang (with 0 new characters) is more urgent to the narrative than an Elain story; than a *new* story that actually advances the plot & characters.

them not getting that gwonriel would be a consequence of elucien: E/L would have always needed to happen 1st because it is ELAIN’s story & choice.

you can’t just compare the structure of ToG and Acotar as if they’re equivalent: the PoVs work vastly differently, and either way it’s always the women that primarily drive the action… i.e. Nesryn & Yrene in ToD. “bUt cHaOl’s boOk”

if anything LUCIEN is the Chaol of acotar (it’s a compliment i adore chaol). and Vassa’s presence/importance in the series relative to other side characters makes her the closest we have to a Nesryn or Yrene figure. Gwyn is more of a Fenrys.

their characterization of Az goes against what we know of his character; “Az is horrible to women but but it’s ok we love him cause he’s different with Gwyn! she makes him better, she’ll help him heal… mates!!” …how convenient. and weird.

they acknowledge only a (convenient) portion of Elain’s character. her visions / powers involve Koschei… but also much more. Cauldron and Truthteller? never heard of them. Nuala & Cerridwen don’t matter (they’re spying on her guys!), her attraction to Az is dismissible… Lucien being her mate is all that really counts. her “need” for sunshine is her character… a result of picking and choosing of ‘evidence’ ngl (as is the way they spin all her scenes with Az). etc.

refusing to acknowledge the feysand bonus. or the set up in FaS. or the continued development of Elain in SF.

Tbh, as it’s becoming increasingly clear to the fandom that Elain is indeed most likely next, im wondering how they’re spinning this. Mother knows I hate the ship wars, but please let people realize the next book was always elriel “vs” elucien.

[nikethestatue]

Nike, I honestly can’t believe what I’ve seen today. Of course I’m so excited about the SJM interviews that just keep coming, with all the mentions of elain, fmcs, mates and fate vs choice, and all of that good stuff. I’m surprised she even went that far on the mates question. She could’ve easily just said yeah if a couple are going to be mates, I also make sure they go on a journey together… instead she expressed her interest in wrong pairs! At the same time, I’m honestly really… shocked at Gwynriels doubling down. It actually has unsettled me how stupid some people are acting. Not saying that to be mean or funny. I guess I just sort of got used to them being a presence in the fandom, as much as one can get used to it :) but seeing them take the “kiss” part of SJM’s quote so literally, seeing them come into anons to fight about it. Seeing them twist what SJM said to fit their narrative is just… astounding really. I didn’t expect them to give up after this interview, but seriously. To double down this hard is concerning. If SJM’s words aren’t getting through to them, you’d think they’d at least be a LITTLE conscious of the fact that every single publication that interviews SJM has mentioned Elain, mates, the bat boys being love interests to fc’s, or all of the above. I’m just surprised. Today has confirmed for me they won’t ever accept elriel. It’s like you said, even after they get their HEA, they will still theorize Elain will die. I just want this nightmare to be over

I think it was the first wave of disbelief. It was harsh. Like they had this whole fantasy side story concocted where there would be training, and secret library trysts, and House of Wind Gang, and sorting out Illyria and whatever else. Gwyn was shadow mommy, Az was shadow daddy, they were gonna gave shadow babies with her extra super pliable bones.

And then stuff began to leak, firstly the bonus chapters and it's like, oh shit. None of this is how we thought it was gonna be!

And then it was the magic bean, and there is no need for Gwyn anymore at all.

And then suddenly it's Nesta, 'taking Gwyn's role' of hanging out with Azriel.

And then it's 'The Cauldron is corrupted' and maybe it's not making perfect 'bonding' choices and there IS something weird about the Elucien bond. And then SJM starts yakking about bond vs choice and suddenly, Elucien is not looking too good at all (never did, but it's just d.e.d. since yesterday), and if Elucien is looking bad, then Gwynriel is looking even worse, since Gwynriel was wholly dependent on Elucien to happen.

And now there is no 'Azriel book'. And no Azriel book means no Gwyn joining him in Illyrian redemption or whatever else.

It was a tough day.

Now they are throwing everything in the pool to see what sinks and what floats. 'It's Helion and LOA's! bond' SJM was talking about. (what bond?) 'The interrupted kiss means she is not gonna write Elriel' (nevermind that every couple had an interrupted kiss). It's a lot of confusion and rebranding.

But it could've all been so much easier.

A moment of silence for Gwynriel might be in order.

[heyitschartic]

What's the step-by-step guide for writing a wildly popular wormfic!!!!!!

Okay so this is easy.

1. Pick an anime. The more popular it is the better. Bonus points for flavor of the month.

2. Pick a main character. Obviously Taylor is a good choice, but you could always go for Greg, or pick a guy from the anime even! In case of the third option look for the biggest sexual predator, every part of the Worm fandom seems to love that. If it's Taylor or Greg just give them the best power from the show.

3. Don't write a plot. This might seem counter productive, but a plot will get in the way. Write your character just doing things, it doesn't really have to make sense how it all ties together. Make sure they are super strong too. Go on the vs wiki to find every tortuous reason this random character could beat scion.

4. Always! Be! Updating! You know what people hate? Waiting. Update your story once a week, at LEAST. Once a day is better. This is also why you don't want a plot, it will bog you down.

5. Add in fan favorites. Make sure to include fan favorite characters like Leet, Greg, a laundry list of nazis, and Amy. Also include in characters fans hate like Cauldron or the Protectorate so they can be humiliated.

6. Romance. Add in some romance, but make sure it's romance with a girl. None of your readers wanna read about any gay shit like kissing guys. If your MC is a girl write a wuvvy dovey les-bean character dating one of the fan favorites you introduced. If it's a guy, be sure to make it a harem so you don't miss out on any titillating action for your readers

7. Quit. This is the most important step; quit before finishing it. If you keep posting forever eventually everyone is gonna get bored and stop reading. Get your story partway through and just stop updating. Find a new flavor of the month show then rinse and repeat.

If you follow these steps, congratulations! You're now a famous worm fanfic writer. Be sure to create a patreon for a tidy 200 a month and clout with a bunch of guys for whom Methods of Rationality was an important part of their lives.

[koskela-knights]

AW2 Mercenaries or Arcade Mode

Once again, imagining a Mercenaries (à la Resident Evil) mode or an arcade mode similar to AW:AN where you have to defeat as many Takens as possible.

You can play as multiple characters and/or teams: Saga & Casey, the Koskelas, the Andersons, Rose, Alan & Alice, Alan & Barry, the Deputies, etc. Each character has their unique weapon of choice besides a standard flashlight) + Selection of OGoA songs to play during the campaign! Co-op mode possible if you play as a team.

1 Characters

Saga & Casey: coffee consumption bonus: once they reach a certain level of coffee, their attacks are more efficient and quick. Casey is support and long-range. Will often throw Saga extra ammo or health boosters. Saga has a limited version of her vanilla game inventory. She still has her little charms that grant her mini bonuses

Alice: Alice has a photo camera with a bright flashlight option that can stun Taken for a few seconds which allows Alan time to shoot them at a blank point

Barry: has a distraction action where he can temporarily put up an Alan cut-out that can draw multiple Taken away from him and Alan. His Christmas lights give him a bit of extra protection vs others

Alan: this is dissonant to the actual game, but he could have a berserk/rage mode where Scratch takes over for a few seconds for a frenzy. Teamed with Barry he has the angel lamp to stun Takens in a short radius for a few seconds

Andersons: Odin uses an indestructible guitar as a melee weapon for close-range combat. Similarly, Tor might have a special hammer. Power-up moment: Odin blasts a deadly soundwave that can instakill Taken who get in a defined radius

Koskelas: Ilmo has a knife & Jaakko has a special shotgun. For long-range Ilmo has his sniper rifle. Beer consumption could work in similar way as coffee does for the FBI agents. Build up their special meter for a Sisu-boost unlocking a temporary melee combo attack against multiple Takens

Rose: has her customized rifle as her main ranged weapon and the angel lamp that has healing abilities. Actually it'd be funny if she has some pies she could throw to make enemies slip

Deputies: They could have a handgun for close(r) range and a shotgun for long-range combat. They could have a power boost where they turn into their Taken selves for extra damage

Tim: as an officer, he might have a few more fireweapons available to him. He has his PRS to summon another version of himself to temporarily help him fight the Taken

Estevez: has a basic handgun, some flares and maybe a special FBC device as her specialized weapon. I can imagine she might have special traps to temporarily trap Takens.

Huotaris: Ilmari uses a hunting rifle or shotgun while Jaakoppi uses an axe. Ilmari also has a berserk/rage mode that turns him into YY Ilmari where he'll use a knife for quick but very efficient melee attacks.

2 Maps/locations

Bright Falls outside

Bright Falls main street

Bright Falls woods

Cauldron Lake

Watery main road

Historical Huotari/Watery which has a black/white filter

Suomi Hall (with Ahti just vibing in the background, probably doing karaoke and unbothered by the main fighting stage)

Coffee World

Ocean View Motel

2 Items

Coffee or Ahma, depending on the characters as health items

Coffee: boosts stamina/energy

Ahma: increases speed

Karjalanpiirakat: increases health

Ammo: gun ammo & flash light batteries

3 Enemies

Depending on the map, enemies might vary (ex. Coffee World having CW employee takens, the woods have wolves)

Basic Taken

Wolf Taken

Taken Bruisers

Taken Floaters

Maybe there's a boss fight if you clear X stages/waves

4 Songs

The entire Old Gods of Asgard soundtrack of course! You can unlock Control songs if you've played as Estevez and Tim

Feel free to add your own ideas or characters in the reblogs or/and comments!

[disneyparksattractionstournament]

Extinct Disney Parks and Attractions tournament round 1: Group A2

Reminder, you don't have had to experience any of the attractions/experiences to vote! Just read in the info and/or watch the vid,then vote for which you wish you would have experienced more/which sounds cooler!

Videos and propaganda/info dumping under cut

ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter: Magic Kingdom (1994-2003)

Propaganda:

"Scared the everloving —- out of me as a kid, but I absolutely loved it. The atmosphere was incredible. Still mad it was basically put in the wrong park and would never survive there."

"I FUCKING love this attraction okay- Not only was it a pioneer in technology but it also was such a bold move for disney and really went to show that they could terrify people if they really wanted to. Also, the alien animatronic is cool, And there's a tim curry robot."

"personally designed by George Lucas"

"Please please please please please please please please please please please please"

"A big part of why this was shut down is the exact same reason as to what makes it great, and one of the most unique attractions of any disney park- The more mature theming, shown off with X-S Tech's blatant greed, hubris and downright maliciousness, and the overstimulating *horror* seen in the main teleportation chamber? I don't think we'll ever find in a newer ride again. Not to mention, the "deco tech" visual style found throughout is one of the coolest aesthetic blends I've ever seen!! And if all of that doesn't get you... Skippy will. Cutest animatronic this side of the galaxy, with a wonderful voice to boot. He's even got not one, not three, but Five different plush variants you could take home!! big, small, smaller, backpack or fanny pack- it's your choice :] "

Cinderella Castle Mystery Tour: Tokyo Disneyland (1986-2006)

Propaganda:

"Only park representation of the black cauldron"

Descriptions in English cut version:

Uncut full version:

Because I find this fascinating, here is also a info video on it:

[highladyjane]

I don't want another warrior training like we've already had in the former books, but aside from training her Seer abilities, I can also see Elain having some basic and necessary training both for self-defence and to become a spy disguised as an emissary of the NC (because she can definitely be both at the same time). And I definitely see Nuala and Cerridwen + Az, and maybe even her sisters, teaching her a thing or two about how to properly wield a knife outside the kitchen - on her own terms and choice ofc.

Feyre was the bow and arrow, Nesta is the sword, and Elain is definitely the "knife in the dark" (just like Azriel).

I can totally see her carrying a knife/dagger as her weapon of choice under all her beautiful dresses like...

I don't think Elain, nor any other female character (especially in the Maasverse tbh) will lose her "soft femininity" just because she learns how to wield a blade. I think what they choose to do with that blade is what makes the difference.

None of them likes violence itself (except for probably mostly the Illyrians), but they sometimes have to resort to it because they need to. Knowing how to handle a blade doesn't necessarily mean it's for violence or to kill - but to defend, protect and save lives just like she did with Nessian vs Hybern.

She may have some lingering trauma from that incident to process, but I think Elain will see that having a dagger around at times is actually useful and easy enough to hide - and the perfect weapon of spies.

Maybe not even just for self-defence but for random pruning, carving, and slicing things in her garden and kitchen lol... It can be subtle and unexpected, but useful and sharp enough when needed - just like her.

No matter what happens to Truth-teller after HOFAS, I still think daggers and knives will come to play for both Az and Elain.

Maybe he'll even gift her a secret, lovely dagger of her own next Solstice... 😏

So that she can...

... in front of Az so he can momentarily forget the existence of air and have something new to fantasize and be tormented about at night 🤭 Like "Call me a mistake one more time, you jackAz" 😏 loljk

Yes, I'm getting carried away.

I can see so many possibilities and potentials for Elain.

She has repeatedly shown the will of becoming more useful and not like how she herself realised and admitted to being like in the first book (because character development, duh). And since she's starting to "show some claws" I think she'll also want to learn how to really fend for herself and not always have to rely on others, especially not Az (not after that Solstice incident) nor her sisters to always come and save her.

She likes domestic things and is the only one among her sisters who is actually good and useful at it, she's a Cauldron-blessed Seer (and now likely also Koschei's next target), but she also has hinted unexplored potential for something besides all that - the stealth, shadows, and secret-keeping = spywork.

She's the perfect housewife-spy like those in WW2 that SJM herself referred to.

Introverts like Elain are always underestimated observers and always so easily dismissed as boring just because their mouths aren't as open as their minds.

Elain knows how to surprise and I think she definitely will again in her book.

Especially with something sharp at your throat the next time you call her boring and useless.

She's the perfect knife in the dark. A beautiful rose with thorns. A thing of secret, lovely beauty. 🌹🗡✨😌

[bright-side20]

Elain's Choice🌸

The first thing we learn in text analysis is that when the author stresses on something, it is not arbitrary; it is to set up an upcoming event.

Sarah stressing on Elain's choice :

“It means nothing,” Elain said, her voice breaking. “It means nothing. I don’t care who decided it or why they did—”

“I belong to no one. But my heart belongs to you.”

"And that love would trump even a mating bond."

=She wants to choose who she'll be with; she doesn't want to be forced into it, even if it's the work of fate.

Feyre

“Why not make them mates? I mused "Why Lucien?”..." What decides it? Who decided it? "....." You said your mother and father were wrong for each other;Tamlin said his own parents were wrong for each other. So it can’t be a perfect system of matching.What if—I jerked my chin toward the window,to my sister and the shadowsinger in the garden—that is what she needs?Is there no free will? What if Lucien wishes the union but she doesn't?

Rhys

“There is choice. And sometimes, yes—the bond picks poorly. (…) Some natural function, not an indication of true, paired souls.”

=They're discussing the possibility of Elain rejecting the bond and choosing the one she wants to be with.

“He brought you a present.”

Those doe-brown eyes turned toward me. Sharper than I’d ever seen them. “And that entitles him to my time, my affections?”

“I don’t want a mate. I don’t want a male.”

=She's directly expressing that she doesn't want Lucien at all.

Vs

"Yes" elain breathed....Azriel's hand slid up her neck, burying in her thick hair. Tilting her face the way he wanted it. Elain's mouth parted slightly, her eyes scanning his before fluttering shut.  

✨Offer and permission✨

=This wasn't a random expression, it was to show that it's her choice, she wanted him to kiss her and even she was the one who initiated the physical interaction by "put it on me"

"what if the cauldron was wrong"... Rhys's face drained of color "you believe you deserve to be her mate!?".... Azriel scowled "I think Lucien will never be good enough for her, and she has no interest in him anyway."

=Azriel highlighted that it's about Elain's choice, and she doesn't want Lucien.

Logically and analytically speaking, Sarah focused in three books on the fact that it's always Elain's choice to decide with whom she wants to be, and the fact that the mating bonds do not always work and could be rejected. Not to then make her accept the bond out of the blue and decide to obey fate and politics to make Lulu happy and avoid conflicts, or to make Azriel choose between her and Gwyn.

Those hints were a set up to serve a part of Elain's book plot where she'll reject the bond and choose to be with the one she fell in love with, Azriel, even if they have to stand against fate and laws.

✨Elain shall wed for love and beauty✨

✨I thought it was obvious✨

[unlikelysaintdelele]

some interesting things i've noted during my ACOTAR reread Pt. 2

*SPOILER WARNING for those who haven’t completed the series*

I finished ACOTAR a few weeks ago but I haven't gotten the chance to transfer my notes until now. Once again, names have been color-coded!

Feyre couldn’t keep her mouth shut only around Rhys. It’s almost like her true self comes out around him.

Anytime Feyre calls on some strength, the image of Nesta comes to mind. She sees Nesta as strong and admires her for that.

A queen without a throne

Are tattooed bargains a night court specialty? I was listening through the graphic audio, as a reminder, so some things slip through.

Pearls in Nesta’s hair. It makes me think of the pearl jewelry Elain later receives from Lucien. I think pearl is meant to represent luxury, and it seems to complement their features.

Elain is the only one with their father’s eyes and I always found it interesting. How similar is Elain to her father? Her father favored her, but I think that’s only because Nesta was cold and Feyre was busy.

Warrior beast vs half-wild beast, Tamlin and Feyre bonding for being unrefined (Disney Beauty and the Beast reference?)

“Don’t ever disobey me again” is honestly not the vibe, Tictac.

I don’t like knowing Tamlin’s anger is on a tight leash with Feyre. He’s angry at her. It feels overprotective in such a suffocating way.

“There you are, I’ve been looking for you.” SOB

The most beautiful man she’s ever seen

Blue eyes so deep they were violet

They just stared at each other! As if in a daze! 

Night pressed in closer around him, smiling

Molded from the night itself, star-kissed night

I have a random “until dawn” note… idk

Cauldron boil me (double, double, toil and trouble… sorry, random silly thought)

Elain began learning to grow veggies! Reminder, the soil at the cottage was crap, it couldn't sustain the veggies. Elain could barely grow flowers. People keep forgetting that Feyre was their only access to nourishment because there was no other choice. Sweet Elain gets so much hate for not using her gardening skills to help, but it was set up so that she couldn't.

Nesta’s iron-will allowed her to resist glamour! I want more on Nesta’s strength. This is one of many reasons why I’ve been a Nesta stan since day one. I know she was cruel but we’re told why in book one. She wanted her father to do something, anything: be a father and care for them. I’m not saying it was any excuse to be cruel, but they were in a shitty situation and she showed her love for her family in other ways. Being willing to lay down her life for Elain? Going after Feyre even knowing it was risky? Asking to be taught to paint? She loves her sisters, she just shows it differently.

Heart of Stone was mentioned for a second time! hehe

Wyyyyyyyyrrrrmmmmmm. I’m a fan of giant worms (Dune, Star Wars). Fun fact about me: I went through a short phase where I just kept writing about worms.

Feyre deems Elain as stronger for being hopeful. She sees so much strength in her sisters and admires them for their differences.

Love Nesta! More Nesta love. She wondered what a woman might do with a fortune and a name. She wanted to travel! She wanted that independence! Pre-war Nesta hurts to experience. She’s opening up now that she’s safe socioeconomically and physically. It makes me wonder what else would have begun to heal if she got more of that peace and security.

Rhys: because I’m tired and lonely. The things he does and willingly puts himself through to protect his court and anyone else he can spare. Love his complexity.

(apparently there's a character limit for each block of text so here's a lil divider)

Honestly? I was vibing with the Tamlin romance, it was chill. The bite was nice. UNTIL Rhys appeared. Timtam just seems so stale in comparison. The chemistry is immediate between Rhys and Feyre, the tension is palpable. I’m still not over how Feyre chose Tampon over Lucien. why would I pick someone so clumsy with affection and who isn’t around nearly as much as the sassy redhead who bickers with me like an old friend? Rhys > Lucien > Tamlin is the order at the moment, and the order will stay until I have to consider the other boys (wait for me batboys).

Tamlin’s dad was Amarantha’s friend! They fought together in the war. Rhys’ father killed Tamlin’s, so Amarantha took Rhys in as a lover as punishment. Amarantha is so greedy honestly, and it's so gross. She wants Tamlin and Rhys but the only reason Tamlin hasn’t been forced like Rhys is that she wants to be chosen, she wants him to come to her willingly

Even in their last moments together, Rhys and Feyre are honest with each other. Honest in a way I've never seen her with Tamlin.

Very excited to begin ACOMAF, my fave book of the series.

[daisychains111]

live "tweet" books with me (via the Goodreads progress bar) pt. 6 A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas

SHAMELESS PLUG: The rest of the books are on my page as pt 4/4.5 and pt 5 hehe

Nesta laughing at the cauldron is so badass oml.....she was really pissing me off in frost and starlight so this book better redeem her"

you're reading my mind cassian...man up and knock

is he gonna call her nes the whole book YES PEASE

 Nesta "You're not my high lord" Archeron back in action

hahahaha rhys is scared of nesta (for good reason but it's still funny)

I still say that Nesta and Mor are gonna be besties.... it's just a matter of time

HAHAHA self insert smut book shaming

damn Cass brutal as hell

I am beyond excited to watch these two losers lust after each other for the next 700 pages...my favorite annoyances to lovers....plus Cass drooling over Nesta in pants is HILARIOUS

cassian comparing his reactions to things that happened to Nesta to Rhys' reaction to feyre and Tamlin cracks me up....just patiently waiting for their mating bond to kick in

Eris is right, they need him...but 1 he doesn't need to be a dick about it, and 2. I'm not excited for Mor to find out

Nesta making fun of her celibate bat boy "making fun of my smut books? I raise you making fun of you having to jerk off yourself" ICON

how Az isn't laughing his ass off rn I will never know...he's stronger than me that's for sure

hmmmmmm....Nesta dear, that sounds suspiciously like a mating bond

these mf have dirty ass minds....they're really just horny af

cassian don't be a creeper

yes Cassian be very bashful about what the sentient house can see...ya nasty

I would choose to read books with a romantic subplot over just a plain romance book literally every day but sometimes I'm really just like "fuck your war go kiss"

hehe Nesta and Gwen bestie prediction

I love the house so much...such an instigator

OMG JUST KISS ALREADY WTF

choosing to ignore the length of Cassian's hair bc long hair is an ick

AHHHH HIM TELLING HER TO KEEP REACHING OUT HER HAND JUST LIKE MOR TOLD HIM TO DO WITH HER IS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL...IM SOBBING

I'm really ready for the Archeron sisters to be on one team...this 2 vs 1 bullshit is stupid...like clearly you love each other

YYAAAYYY KISSIINNGGG

YAYA RHYS AND FEYRE BABY!!! I saw that coming from a millleeeeee away

that is gonna be the most spoiled child known to man

reading this in the library at school is an interesting choice

"Just sex," my ass

azrial is the worst chaperone in all of existence... but he's also clearly the biggest Cassian/Nesta shipper in existence, so it's fine... Also, the way he just knowingly ate at the table after what they did is BOLD

awwww smutty book club

the older sister disapproval is real...also Nesta calling Rhys Rhysand is hilarious

I love Emerie and Gwyn so much omg

Emerie and Gwyn giggling at the sword inuendos is peak bestie vibe energy

every once in a while the Archeron sisters will say something very "human girl in her 20s" and it cracks me up to no end to watch their centuries-old faerie boyfriends look at them as if they're speaking tongues

just admit you're in love with each other..." just sex" is just hurting both of you

that is just about the hottest thing I've ever read

ewwww what does Tamlin want

Nesta needs a pin that says "bitch and proud" bc she really owns that shit like no other

"your my friend" my absolute ass

I love dancer!Nesta

bc I haven't read in like 5 days I can't remember what plan Cassian is ruining rn but I'm glad he's doing it...go dance with your girl pookie

HE HAD MOR GIVE HIM DANCE LESSONS??!!?!? YOU SHUT UP RIGHT NOW

Rhys is good at his job bc he can have feyre AND Cassian freaking out at him in his head and still hold a conversation....live laugh love feyre and Cassian as the Nesta Archeron protection squad

ha ha az...can't hide that you are in love with Elain from Nesta, she sees all

Az getting Nesta a gift is the cutest thing ever

FUCKING FINALLY JESUS CHRIST 🤦🏽‍♀️

Cassian has the confidence of an actual doormat...sometimes it's sweet, sometimes it's annoying as hell

YAY THEY'RE MATES....BOOO THEY'RE STUPID

I love Gwen so much...that's all

THEY'RE GONNA WIN THE WHOLE THING I JUST KNOW

hehe her mate taught her 😊

there is a little too much plot happening right now for a book that only has 30 pages left

cracking jokes after you almost just died...Cassian I love you

OH GOOD GOD FEYRE

death pacts make me want to kill the people who made them

miracle magic objects are gonna miracle magic object now and bc Nesta's a badass everyone's gonna live...the end

YAY NESTA AND RHYS ARE GONNA BE BESTIESSS

awwwwww nyx

if I die never knowing what happened with Eris and Mor I'll kill Sarah myself (I never got to know)

(Afterthought in post-production: this could've been two books bc the way the plot was resolved in the last 30 pages of a 750-page book is WILD)

I'm also not gonna be reading fantasy for a while just bc that's not what's next on the tbr, so it might be a while before I do the next part cause these are harder to make for contemporary novels tehe

[starsreminisce]

I'll never understand E/riels... If I was one I would've NEVER talked about that fkn necklace let alone draw Elain in every art with it! like didn't y'all read the part where Azriel called it a mistake and said if he kissed her, he would've regretted it and ABOVE ALL OF THIS AND MOST IMPORTANT PART... Elain gave it back! she doesn't have that necklace... SHE was the one who gave it back, willingly! and yet every time I come across an E/riel art on Pinterest I see her wearing the Necklace...

this alone should proved to us that not one E/riel cares about Elain wants and needs for one second... or canon for the matter of fact...

ps: I saw this one post that they gathered these lines when sjm mmcs are talking about how the fmc brings them to their knees and all of them are about love and devotion but E/riel one is about lust (like this line alone should prove to them how E/riel will never happen but they grasp everything they can and call us out with the exact same thing, that's hypocrite!)... and one of comments had me rolling saying "That's why E/riels lOvE the cAnOn so much awwwwww" LMAO as if y'all weren't the ones 2 years ago commenting on Gwynriel posts how you wanted Elain instead of Gwyn in their scenes 💀😭

The necklace that she returned almost immediately and Truth-Teller. Two things Azriel has given her that she returned.

Truth-Teller is especially hilarious to me because there is always something revealed when it’s on the page. Somehow Feyre asking about whether the cauldron is wrong is more important than the manner Elain gave back the knife as foreshadowing.

“Azriel didn’t expect her to keep it!” “Azriel just lent it to her!”

Well, he sure as hell didn’t ask for it back. Elain made sure she pressed it back to him before he could get a word in and walked away.

The mental gymnastics could have given Simone Biles a run for her money. They spent too much time nitpicking canon that directly argues against whatever arguments they have, and they don't even have a quote to show that Azriel looks at Elain with any sort of yearning or longing. Az's BC is Schrödinger's canon because it's both important and not important to the story.

SJM won't confirm his mate in a bonus chapter, but somehow it's valid to prove that Azriel was pining over Elain, not Mor by the fire?

I said it before and I’ll say it over and over again. For a group who loves to claim that it’s Elain’s choice, Azriel had not once given Elain a choice, and the two times Elain did put herself out there, Azriel had shut her down both times.

My telltale sign that a theory is made by an Elriel is when they emphasize that Elain will make a choice when it comes to her book, and it'll be Az vs Lucien. She'll make a choice, but it's not as shallow as which boy she wants to be with. It'll be whether to stay where she does not belong or take a leap of fate and leave. Because that's what Feyre, Lucien, and Nesta all faced.

The only person who has given her a choice has been her own mate.

[evermoredeluxe]

i have to get some thoughts out about the inner circle members and the dynamics between them (mainly ACOSF)

- first of all, i do think that the IC members can be self-righteous and think they know better always. and it doesn’t help that feyre’s love-driven mate perspective makes people mad about rhys not taking more responsibility and always being the hero.

- amren gets too much of a pass on things. i get that they love her and need her (esp because of the powers she had and the knowledge she has), but ffs you don’t always know better. sometimes power is not the only answer. also, love her, but should’ve remained dead oops

- on one hand, there’s an argument that the IC is being graceful to nesta (re: alcoholism, paying rent, etc), but on the other hand, they could be more understanding imo. elain is given endless grace and babied whereas nesta is not. i don’t like that rhys and amren viewed nesta as a weapon and something that needs to be trained so that they can use her. i get why they used elain to convince her to use her powers, but then rhys going on this thing about nesta having a choice… you damn well know it’s not a choice. in order to do something right in an extraordinary circumstance like war, it’s understood that you may do wrong by a person. i can understand that they don’t have many options, but then just be gray characters, don’t force that “we’re always perfect” bullshit.

- i actually am not upset by feyre not including nesta’s painting. sister dynamics can be harsh and weird. even in book 1, feyre hated them for not helping her, but still talked about how she loved them. she tried to include nesta in decorating, invited her to solstice and did other things, but when you’re being spat at by your own sister, you will do spiteful things in return to feel good. she still included a perfect room for her in the house despite being mad.

- i also think that feyre herself was tryna juggle being high lady and pregnant and felt pressured to “control” nesta due to that. inexpected a clash between being high lady and a sister. i don’t think it can be denied that nesta being an alcoholic, abusing NC’s money and being a bitch didn’t hurt feyre. and it can be forgotten that despite all her bravery, feyre is still young. i can get why she thought being with the priestesses would be healing for a person with trauma and how training can help you channel that anger and energy. so she forced that on nesta. so it’s complicated (which makes sense because that’s how it is irl too)

- i think cassian is stuck too much between choosing his family of 500 years vs choosing nesta. i think he’s not perfect at it, hence why all these complains about not being a good mate. but i think it’s realistic that he struggles with this because it’s natural it’ll take time for him to sort out his dynamics. his family always has a list of grievances about nesta to prove they’re right about her being terrible, and while some are unfair, he can’t always outrightly deny them. rhys and feyre were different because feyre is high lady, and has a streak for caring and being a savior (whereas nesta is not like that) and rhys is the high lord

- it’s funny for me to see feyre whackings about her destroying lives of the spring court common people, and what will she do for illyria, but… she literally became a high lady 1-2 years ago and she’s processing her own trauma and is dying with a kid, i get why she isn’t doing shit lol. i agree with the spring court thing (also, what of alis?!), but it’s been established that it takes centuries for change in illyria because of immorality. feyre is paid dust by illyrians, and rhys and cassian are already seen trying to implement changes so yeah.

- unpopular: i think the thing with nesta giving back the power to the cauldron in exchange for saving feyre made sense because so much of the theme around the books has been the cauldron hunting for its power back, and all of ACOSF was about how “like calls to like” (like nesta, i was tired of that sentence lmfao). i also think that people forget that genuinely bad things are happening to the IC, but SJM just saves them and that makes people mad i think lol