#Fangs of Fortune costume design

[morweneledhwen]

More costume design in Fangs of Fortune (part 1)

[fiftysevenacademics]

When I saw Prince Nanrui's bodyguard, Ji Xiang, (who smirks and rolls his eyes and clearly hates his job, my favorite kind of bodyguard!) I immediately went, Hello! Who is this beautiful little scene stealer? He looks exactly like Xiao Xingchen (from The Untamed). So I'm scrolling through the MDL entry for A Dream Within a Dream and click on the link for the actor (Song Jiyang) and whaddaya know. His first acting credit is Xiao Xingchen.

[hyog-blog]

The light, the colours, the aesthetics. Wen Xiao is always wearing light clothes being a symbol of love, hope, gentleness, and literally a Goddess. Our demon boys now mostly wear dark robes, belonging to the darker forces of the world (or as a symbol of their psychological state). Their color palettes varied in the past, but now Li Lun is explicitly dark/black/goth as well as Zhu Yan. But Zhao Yuanzhou is still wearing some patterns and other darker colours (and fur, yum) as far as I remember, he's not devoured by blackness the same way Li Lun feels totally alone, hurt, and lost.

But the color theory will need a re-watch XD I love how gorgeous everything is, though.

I just hope you don't forget how humans treat us. FANGS OF FORTUNE 大梦归离 — 2024, dir. Edward Guo, Luo Luo, Wei Nan   

[romchat]

Favorite Visual Storytelling of 2024: Cdrama Edition

Although I spent the better part of 2024 complaining about the state of Chinese dramas, one thing I did appreciate seeing in this year's lineup was all the lovely cinematography and production design on display. Not only did these visuals look great, but they were meaningful to the story.

In no particular order, here are my top picks of the year...

Favorite Use of Color: The Double

Evocative and theatrical, The Double's cinematography definitely caught people's attention, splitting viewers into those who liked it and those who thought it was too much.

But what always struck me as refreshingly unique about the drama was its careful use of color . Check out how the following scenes have a completely different feeling because of their color palettes:

Whether it's the fairytale romanticism of a white blossom forest or the queasy yellow and pink of a brothel, the show's colors always give us a sense of mood (and character) without needing much exposition. Really efficient storytelling!

Favorite Production Design #1: Fangs of Fortune

If I included screenshots of all my favorite sets and costumes from my next pick, we'd be here all day.

I've always loved the energy and symbolism of Director Guo Jingming's visual storytelling, but his production design team in Fangs of Fortune really outdid themselves. The scale, shapes, and most importantly texture of each set gives the show a sweepingly escapist quality that we rarely seen in Cdramas. It is true high fantasy come to life, asking us to reflect on what it means to be human through the eyes of those who are otherworldly.

Favorite Use of Production Design #2: To the Wonder

I was uncomfortable with the tacit political messaging of To the Wonder but the amount of care and detail that went into its production design is undeniable. People seem to mostly praise the drama for its idyllic on-location shots but I think it's the prop design and interiors that really sing because they provide insight into lives we rarely see represented on screen.

Favorite Use of Light: Love in a Dream

When I see dramas like Love in a Dream, it makes me wish the industry would just throw money at all the talented and creative visual directors in the short drama circuit. A masterclass in contrast, this drama is absolutely gorgeous, and its dramatic use of chiaroscuro lighting makes it look like a cross between a Renaissance painting and shadow puppet show.

Was I always able to follow the plot? No, but who cares when every other scene looks like art.

Favorite Use of Camera Language #1: Tender Light

Tender Light is a great example of using cinematography to establish the right tone for a story.

The story follows a woman being accused of murdering her abusive husband and the camera language actually mimics the social fallout of his death. Look at how it uses dirty framing, overhead shots, tracking, etc. to give the story a voyeuristic and surveillant feeling. It's like we (the audience) are being forced to invade the privacy of these characters, and in doing so, the show implicates us in the nasty gossip that surrounds our FL as much as the local townspeople spreading it.

Favorite Use of Camera Language #2: Regeneration

From the opening shot of Regeneration , we learn that this is a world where it's difficult to distinguish reality from its equally compelling reflection. The drama is all about the stories people weave and the show plays with subjective cinematography to make us question what we perceive as the truth.

Runners-Up

I dropped Blossom before I could get a sense of its visual storytelling, but the drama has Director Zeng Qingjie's signature dreamy, romantic visuals . Bonus: Li Yunrui looking hot in his gray wig.

Riverside Code at Qingming Festival didn't quite work for me as a case-breaking story but the amount of research they put in the costuming and prop design is incredible. I hope Director Yang Fan gets more opportunities to direct big budget period dramas because his attention to detail is immaculate .

--

And that's a wrap!

What was everyone else's favorite Cdrama visuals of 2024?

[acequinz]

Not gonna lie I moved to Love Game In Eastern Fantasy after the reveal of Fangs of Fortune director plagiarising from a lot of artist designs and a lot from a danmei donghua adaptation as well because I had nothing better to watch and I am honestly having such a good fucking time.

Like this is everything I needed. They really should have done a better trailer but honestly ep 1 is good enough to get every one to stay.

Also I love the effect management, the fights are so amazing, really no skimping anywhere there.

There's not a lot of big fights every episode but whenever there is a fight, the choreo and added effects are fucking beautiful.

The costumes are also really nice especially the hair styles for Miaomiao.

And the little flashback they do to show miaomiao's real world and how she still missed it and wanted to see her mom.

I really want her to get to go back but also I want her to take Mu Sheng with her.

[lovedoesnotconquerall]

My 2024 Year Recap

Dramas

This was a fairly disappointing year for kdramas for me, and I didn’t stay on top of a lot of the dramas as they aired. It wavered between drama droughts and floods too frequently for me to keep up. Nonetheless, here are some of my favorites (not necessarily the best) from this year–

Historical Cdrama:

Blossom

This drama was the whole package for me. The acting, the cinematography, the costuming and sets, the wigs with sideburns, and the creativity of working around the rebirth genre. It avoided the OP pitfall that comes with this type of story and took on a different time period from what I’ve seen lately. I loved the women’s costumes so, so much! Plus the story moved along quickly without feeling rushed. I adore Meng Ziyi and desperately wanted a main character drama win for her, and boy did this deliver. Plus Li Yunrui finally got the girl!!

An aside– If Blossom hadn’t aired at the end of this year, this probably would’ve gone to The Double. But I did a quick rewatch this week and was disappointed by how much it didn’t hold up for me. I blame this largely on the camera blocking choices, as many of the heavy impact and meaningful moments that were likely well-scripted were weakened by having the actors act looking straight into the camera. Some actors weren’t up to the task, skill-wise. And other scenes just would have carried so much more emotional weight if both characters were on screen, and the actors were feeding off each others’ performances. In fact, the scene that had me in an absolute chokehold was the drunk rain sequence in episode 17 with Xiao Heng’s intense, jaw-clenched gaze as he resisted his desire for A’Li. By the end of the drama, I felt like I was watching actors act, rather than believing these were characters whose stories I was invested in emotionally. The drama was still a stand out, especially for its use of color, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of watching it air live alongside my tumblr mutuals!

Fantasy:

Fangs of Fortune

I had absolutely no idea what this was about going in. I couldn’t recall even watching a trailer and gave it a shot on a whim. From the costumes to the set design, every aspect of this drama was a visual feast. It felt otherworldly and sucked me in right from the start. I loved the way we saw our main characters’ stories reflected in the side character vignettes, and I never felt the need to fast forward. Even without the extra episode, I was still satisfied with the ending as presented. I don’t need a happy ending if the story’s resolution is justified narratively and this absolutely was. That being said, the extra episode made my shipper heart absolutely feral. No complaints here! I can’t give enough praise to Hou Minghao for his performance here as Zhao Yuanzhou. I see nothing of this character in his other performances, and that really speaks to his ability to adapt and fully live in this role.

Modern Cdrama:

Derailment

It technically finished airing in January, so I’m putting it here on this list. Another underrated drama I knew next to nothing about but left being so satisfied. The ship was so good, and the height difference was delightful. Also, the intimacy of hair washing! I really liked Liu Haocun’s performance. I’d never seen her in anything before, but I look forward to what she does next.

Modern Kdrama:

Lovely Runner

I started this on a plane and almost quit because of what I thought was going to be an over-the-top, cringey portrayal of kpop fanaticism (and I like kpop!!). I’m so glad I weathered that misconception because by the end of episode 2 it shaped up to be everything I wanted and more. I actually bought songs off the soundtrack and still listen to them today. It was fun, sugary sweet, and a joy to watch.

Ships/Pairings:

Song Mo x Dou Zhao, Blossom

I don’t know what more needs to be said about them that I haven’t already posted. They were genuinely equally matched, and I could clearly follow the logical, developed plot points that led to their coupling. The actors felt lived-in their characters and every aspect of the production played their part in making this a believable ride-or-die pairing. The chemistry oozed off the screen from their first encounter. His gaze in episode 1 when they lament trusting the wrong people? Unreal. He was so down bad for her, and tbh? Same.

Whatever was happening, Fangs of Fortune

Nobody delivered longing, connection, fondness, and trust like the multiships in this drama. I was locked in on all of the ships for different reasons. ZYZ and ZYC will hold a special place in my heart for all the things that didn’t need to be said. Who needs dialogue when you can gaze lovingly into the eyes of your soulmate without alerting the censors?

Older drama I watched in 2024:

Princess Agents (2017)

I am Team A’Chu x Yan Xun all the way. Warming her hands through a hole in the wall while dying in prison? Say no more!

(I do wish we could’ve seen Song Mo unleash his inner Yan Xun a little. Alas, censorship…)

Books

I read 37 books this year, excluding web novels. I felt pretty meh about most of the books I read, neither loving nor hating them. Nevertheless, here are some of my favorites.

Fiction:

Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum, translated by Shanna Tan

This book was like a comforting cup of coffee on a cloudy winter day. An unexpected group of lost people are drawn by and grow together around the warmth of a local bookshop. I loved the slice-of-life nature of the chapters and the gentle affirmations built into the characters’ decisions to slow down their lives.

Nonfiction:

City Limits: Infrastructure, Inequality, and the Future of America’s Highways by Megan Kimble

Growing up in Texas along the Interstate-45 corridor made this an especially compelling yet bleak read.

Novella/Short Story:

Minor Detail by Adania Shibili, translated by Elisabeth Jaquette

Relevant, abrupt, and brutal. It left me numb for days after finishing it.

Open Throat by Henry Hoke, narrated by Pete Cross

This was so odd and creative I don’t really know how to describe it. It gives clever, poignant social/political commentary through the eyes of a mountain lion living on the fringes of a Los Angeles park.

Audiobook:

The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa, translated by Philip Gabriel, narrated by George Blagden

The ending was predictable early on, but that didn’t make it any less impactful. I spent the last hour or so listening while sobbing uncontrollably to the point that my hobble-legged former street cat curled up in my lap to comfort me, which of course only made me more inconsolable. This book was beautiful and will hold a special place in my heart, thanks in large part to the experience of listening to, rather than visually reading, it.

Web Novel:

Rebirth of a Star General by Qian Shan Cha Ke, translated by Lazy Girl Translations

I am weak for a well written woman-in-disguise story. Especially one involving martial arts. And to add a general x general ship to it? What more could I ask for? I was excited to see Cheng Lei cast as Xiao Jue, and I look forward to seeing the drama adaptation next year. (hopefully…)

Movies

Twisters

I rarely go to the theater, and movies aren’t really my preferred form of delivery for narrative arcs and character exploration. But I visited college roommates in Seattle over the summer, and we went to see this on a pure whim. It was ridiculous and fun and took me back to our college days reserving the TV room in our co-op house to wind down after exams.

And with that… on to 2025!

[joyouslee]

Searching youtube for Fangs of Fortune content as I am going through withdrawal during the broadcast break, and thought I'd share:

Here's one that's mainly BTS of them filming various scenes (including the exploding water pots one, which is cool) and that's mostly the cast being adorable.

And here's a cool one that has the costume team talking about some of their designs and the actors talking about their favorite costumes. It's really cool to hear the thought process behind the costume designs. Be aware there are several spoilers in this one for plot points that haven't come up yet.

[call-me-chips]

New MHA oc! (More info below the cut :) )

Basic info:

Full name: Kyomu Mori (Mori is his surname) Nickname: Kyo Gender: Male (He/him) Sexuality: Gay Height: 6'2" Weight: 185lbs Age: 16 Birthday: April 6th Zodiac: Aries MBTI: ESTP-A Langauges: Japanese, English, Filipino Ethnicity: Japanese, Filipino Dominant hand: Right Scars: Scar on the upper center of his forehead Reason for scars: Unknown Piercings: 1 right eyebrow piercing, 1 lobe piercing on each ear Eye colour: Yellow Skin colour: Medium brown Hair colour: Light blue, white Hair style: High ponytail Hair length: Upper back Body type: Tall, muscular Special features: Anthro-like legs, long tail, oddly shaped ears, slightly sharp fingers, sharp canine teeth

MHA related:

Occupation: UA Student Hero name: Tamper Quirk: Memory Mutation. The ability to move, alter, and add to memories of both others and himself with just a touch More detailed quirk description: When the user touches another person with either their hands, feet, or tail, they are able to access the recent memories (recent being a few days) of the person and alter them. With further concentration and effort, they can access older memories (older being a week or more), but this is draining and difficult to successfully do. Although memory tampering can be performed with the hands, tail, and feet, the effect doesn't work as well with the feet. Altering memories: This action is the easiest to do. With this action, the user is able to change a specific part of a pre-existing memory. Example: They could cause you to remember leaving your keys on your desk, when you actually took them with you. Moving memories: This action makes the user practically able to delete a memory by moving it from someone's mind to his own, or from his mind to someone else's. Adding memories: This action takes the longest to perform. With this, the user can give someone a completely new memory, even if it's something that never happened. To do this, the user requires a lot of concentration, as they have to clearly invision all that happens in the memory. If their mind is not clear enough while invisioning the new memory, it may seem distorted.

Personal questions:

Is he more optimistic or pessimistic? Optimistic Is he more introverted or extroverted? Extroverted What bad habits does he have? "I have no bad habits." He can't sit normally in chairs. He chews with his mouth open (he blames the fangs). He jaywalks. Doesn't like listening to authority How does he display affection? He loves physical touch, and will sometimes involuntarily touch people he likes with his tail How does he want to be seen by others? He wants to be seen as the cool older brother figure to Class 1A How does he see himself? He sees himself as a valuable member of his class How do others see him? His closest friends see him as a brother, while others see him as a rebellious teenager who's always getting into trouble How does he react to praise? With open arms How does he react to criticism? In the moment, he acts like he doesn't care and like he doesn't listen, but later, he finds himself thinking over it deeper and trying to subtly improve What is his greatest fear? "Nothing." Being forgotten What are his phobias? Enclosed spaces, mice/rats Favourite animal? Dogs. Specifically German Shepherds because of how fierce and protective they can be (And that he thinks guard dogs are fucking awesome) Favourite colour? Yellow More often than not, what is his password? "Nice try. I ain't telling that." It's usually 1234567896 "Hey! >:(" What would he dress up as for Halloween? One of those big enflatable costumes like a dinosaur or a rubber duck What would he ask a fortune teller? "Hmmm, I don't trust it. If you are so smart, how many fingers are behind my back right now?" What sport is he good at? Basketball What sport is he bad at? Golf. He has something personal against golf and anyone who plays it

Kyomu is, design-wise, basically just a compilation of physical traits that I am either bad at, or want to improve on. I'm not good at drawing men. I'm not good at drawing hands, and his quirk involves using his hands. I want to get better at drawing different perspectives of asymmetrical objects, so I gave him an asymmetrical tail. I'd like to improve at drawing anthro legs. I want some experience with drawing fangs. I'm not good at drawing updo hairstyles

Feel free to ask more questions about him in my inbox. I'm always looking to add to characters :)

[hwarintide]

November Viewing Log

Yeah, I know it’s the end of the year, but I went ahead and started this side blog, complete with a section for my monthly watchlist anyway. I wanted a space where I could jot down quick thoughts on what I’m currently watching (and loving).

Currently Watching

The Tale of Lady Ok (🇰🇷) – After finishing the incredible Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born, I had this huge urge to watch another sageuk. I was so happy to find something new that’s so well-made. Even after just two episodes, the plot had me hooked — stories about the struggles of the lower class in historical settings always grab my attention, and this one doesn’t hold back. By the end of episode two, I found myself thinking about how the main character, ironically, might’ve been “freer” when she was enslaved. Once her status changed to something noble, she became bound by duties to others.

When the Phone Rings (🇰🇷) – Everyone’s obsessed with this show, and yep, count me in. It’s such a breath of fresh air at the end of a not-so-great k-drama year — a story about adults (with not-so-adult decisions haha), wrapped in a darker, sensual tone. The characters are flawed, complicated, and just so interesting to watch.

Fangs of Fortune (🇨🇳) – Total newbie to c-dramas here. I’ve only seen a couple of modern ones, and this is my first wuxia. But wow, I’m obsessed already. The plot is promising, the action scenes are amazing, and the sets and costumes? Chef’s kiss. Even though I’m usually neutral about fantasy, this show is winning me over.

Revenge of Others (🇰🇷) – Honestly, I started watching this solely because Shin Ye Eun is in the lead role. Normally, I avoid school dramas, but the thriller angle pulled me in. Plus, Shin Ye Eun is just (always) wonderful, so I’m sticking with it.

Watched

Juvenile Justice (🇰🇷) – I started this one back in 2023 but put it on hold for a while. The overall vibe was good, but I needed the right mood for such heavy themes like juvenile crime and cruelty. I came back to it this year and finished it — and I don’t regret it. It’s such a well-made show that dives deep into the law and intertwines the cases with the lead’s own tragic backstory. The acting was memorable, and I’d love to see a second season.

Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born (🇰🇷) – Probably my favorite drama of the year. I cried so much — literally had tissues ready for every episode. It had everything I love: a historical context about women’s theater (a topic I didn’t know much about before), my favorite Kim Tae Ri in the lead, the equally amazing Shin Ye Eun and Ra Mi Ran, an almost entirely female cast, and a story that’s deeply emotional. The theater performances were so captivating I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen. Honestly, I’m shocked it didn’t get more love from international fans, though it was well-received in Korea.

Love in the Big City (🇰🇷) – The book this is based on was one of the first I read in Korean. I remember it as a beautifully written, honest, and realistic story, so of course, I had to watch the adaptation. And it didn’t disappoint.

The Trunk (🇰🇷) – Honestly, I found this pretty boring. It felt like the creators were trying to hint at some deeper meaning behind a simple story, but it didn’t land. It could’ve been a decent movie, but as a series, it felt empty and dragged out. That said, the house design was memorable, and the OST was nice.

Mr. Plankton (🇰🇷) – At one point while watching it, I was borderline obsessed, but looking back with a cooler head, I think it was just Woo Do Hwan and Oh Jung Se pulling me in. I love their acting styles and delivery. The plot, though? All over the place. In theory, it could’ve been a cool modern take on some classic Korean folktale about a morally gray lower-class antihero kidnapping a poor girl from a noble family. But it feels like Netflix tried to cram every melodramatic trope into one series to appeal to everyone — and, honestly, “for everyone” often ends up being “for no one.” Still, I don’t regret watching it.

What Comes after Love (🇰🇷🇯🇵) – I’m also studying Japanese, so I was intrigued by the setting involving both Japan and Korea, with characters speaking both languages. It’s a classic love story about unspoken feelings and how emotions change over time. The ending felt quite logical.

Beyond Goodbye (🇯🇵) – I watched this right after What Comes after Love because of Sakaguchi Kentaro. It might be your typical Japanese drama about reincarnation and fated connections, but it was beautifully shot and well-acted, so I’m happy with it.

Queen of Tears (🇰🇷) – I started this as it aired but dropped it, and honestly, I probably should’ve left it there. There was no chemistry between the leads (even though I like their acting individually), and the makjang elements couldn’t even justify the plot holes. Yet another case of trying to throw in every possible trope and failing to tie it all together.

The Frog (🇰🇷) – Should’ve dropped this after episode two. But I stuck with it for you, my dear Go Min Si.

Gangnam B-Side (🇰🇷) – It felt like a spin-off of The Worst of Evil set in modern-day Gangnam — and I’m not even complaining. The Worst of Evil was my highlight last year, and while Gangnam B-Side isn’t as cohesive, it’s worth it for those standout scenes with Ji Chang Wook and Bibi.

[terrence-silver]

I wondering what John and terry would dress as for Halloween maybe a couple costumes 👀 I know Terry would go all out with the costumes design and all

John Kreese probably doesn't celebrate Halloween.

He thinks that sort of thing is for children and the youths...you know, like in the case of his OG Cobras dressing up as skeletons. But grown men? Nah, son. Can't even really be talked into shifting his opinion because that's the one thing he's staunch on --- he's not a clown. Won't dress up like one either. Too damn prideful to do so. He thinks there's something not befitting adults about the whole thing. Almost comes off like a hazing, humiliation ritual to him, I can imagine.

Terry Silver on the other hand?

He'd be there in a full blown, tailor made vampire costume for all we know; an entirely unique couture outfit that cost a small fortune made from the finest materials and fangs specially designed out of silver, decorated with diamonds for the pure extravagant ostentatiousness of it all. They somehow coexist like this, with entirely different perspectives on the matter. John might be there in his brown puffer vest, tolerating Terry's antics in ways he'd tolerate them for nobody else and heck even being a little amused by them, while Terry Silver's looking like Béla Lugosi, infinitely aggrieved he couldn't get John to dress up too. But, that's his Captain. He respects and venerates the man too much to actually put him into attire that lowers the man in any sense which means he might just suggest that John dress up as a General or something of that lofty sort because he always felt John deserved to go as far as he could in the military and now that's just an offer John might take after pretending he's bothered by the symbolism of wearing an uniform, chevrons and markings he didn't earn in combat; a pretense that's short lasting...much to Terry's infinite glee.

[morweneledhwen]

Posters of Zhuo Yichen from Tian Jiarui's studio

[hyog-blog]

I guess when you're 34,000 years old you have to look the part? His younger silver-haired version was beyond cute, but I love this Demon Royalty vibe he's having. And yes, his hair is INSANE. This show definitely deserves the Best Costume award along with Best Special Fx award and the Effortlessly Queer award (I know it's not a thing but it should be XD)

I am completely insane about Zhao Yuanzhou's hair.

[archive-of-artprompts]

🔎Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!🔎

Send in a number, and I'll draw that Scooby-Doo monster based on the description given!

The Ape Man - A large ape with dark blue fur, sharp teeth, a big snout, and red pupils with yellow sclera. Very strong, smart, and aggressive. 

Black Knight Ghost - A  traditional English, black suit of armor, with a red plume on its helmet and yellow eyes glowing from within its visor. It only comes alive on nights when the Moon is full. Very strong and agile. Terrorizes anyone it encounters, emitting creepy growls.

The Caveman - A primitive neanderthal with long, black hair and heavy brow ridges above his eyes. Wears a brown cloth around his waist. Becomes aggressive towards anyone identified as a threat.

Charlie the Robot - a tall, humanoid, metal machine. Has a beige face plate with pseudo facial features: light orange eyes, a “nose”, and round “ears”. Designed as if wearing a dark blue fitted hood, gloves, and boots; light blue arms and pants; and a purple leotard. Short-circuited to be mischievous and destructive. Has superhuman strength, speed, endurance, and control over almost every aspect of Funland (rides, lights, food stands, registers.) Only weakness is a powerful electromagnet.

The Creeper - A phantomlike zombie with green skin, a hunchback posture, dark red hair, yellow sclera, and a slim face with prominent cheekbones. Wears a dark green trench coat and pants, and a black undershirt and shoes. Violent temper. Strong and can walk through walls, which is how he robs banks. 

Dracula - Resembles a man with pale skin, pointy ears and nose, fangs, curled eyebrows,  red sclera, and slicked back black hair with a widow’s peak and sideburns. Wears a black cape, with a red interior, over a grey tuxedo and black bow-tie. Can transform into a bat, and disappear inside of his coffin. Smarmy, secretive, and sneaky. 

Frankenstein's Monster - A gargantuan man with short, jet black hair and yellow eyes, and paleish green skin. Wears a dark blue coat and pants, a purple shirt, and black shoes. An unrelenting, unfeeling drone with super strength.

Ghost of Captain Cutler - Dressed in a light green, old-fashioned deep sea diving suit that is covered in a type of glowing seaweed found only around the Graveyard of Ships. Leaves glowing footprints wherever he goes. Very lifeless, only making moans and groans.

The Ghost Clown - Looks like a stereotypical clown: silly red and black costume with an orange neck frill, puffs, and gloves; red hair; little black hat and big shoes; and white face makeup with a pink nose and lips, and black eyeshadow. Bears an evil grin and yellow eyes. Enjoys telling grim jokes. Controlling and calculative.  Expert hypnotist, using a gold coin on a string to compel people into dangerous situations.

Ghost of Elias Kingston - A middle-aged man with undead-looking blue skin, black hair, surly eyes with yellow sclera, flat nose, and a cleft chin. Wears an old-fashioned grey trench coat from the American Civil War era with matching grey pants and black shoes. Driven by greed for the Wetherby family's fortune, seeks to terrify the family into giving it up. Can hex people, accelerating their age and causing them to die within a few hours.

Ghost of Mr. Hyde - A slender apparition with green skin, big beady eyes, shaggy gray hair, bony fingers, and slim face. Wears a long, green trench coat and pants, black shoes, and a dark green, tight-fitting hat. Sinister and maniacal. Can climb on any wall and ceilings. 

The Ghost of Redbeard - Ghost of a large man, with a large, red beard. Wears a black pirate hat with a skull and crossbones, a pink bandana underneath the hat, a large red coat with a pink interior, pink pants, and brown boots. Armed with a cutlass. Imprisons people on his ship, threatening to kill them, and forces them to serve him.

The Green Ghosts - Two ghostly apparitions donning green, tattered, hooded robes. Their faces overshadowed, only their orange glowing eyes and mouths visible. Gangly arms with long, curved fingers, and black cuffs with broken chains upon their wrists. They scare away visitors with sinister laughter. Are very fast, able to cast their shadows wherever at will, and leave behind an ectoplasmic residue.

The Headless Specter - An eerie, abnormally tall ghost that appears exactly like the portrait of Jefferson Stillwall that hung in the parlor, but without a head. Wears a 1800s style attire: a brown double-breasted overcoat with dark brown cuffs and lapels, a light tan formal shirt with frilly cuffs, a dark pink neck scarf tied formally and tucked under the coat, gray slim pants, black shoes, and formal white silk gloves. Scares away thieves from the family fortune.

Miner Forty-Niner - A tall, elderly, expressionless man with a large grey beard and mustache. Wears a brown cowboy hat that hides the top half of his face, brown pants, and a long-sleeve blue top, over which he wore an open black waistcoat. Obsessed with trying to find veins of gold. 

The Mummy of Ankha - A mummified corpse covered in bandages. White eyes and black sclera. Hostile and short-tempered. Unable to speak, mostly groaning, except for the word “coin”, referring to an old Egyptian coin which a visitor had put in their pocket by mistake. Protective of its treasures, persistently chasing down thieves. Has super strength, and can petrify people. 

The Phantom - Looks like a classic ghost: a translucent white sheet with dark eye-holes for sight. Intangible. Dislikes visitors to the Haunted Isle and Vasquez Castle, relying on the element of surprise to scare them away.

The Phony Phantom - A tall, ghostly humanoid dressed in blue overalls, a light blue shirt, and brown shoes. Its top half is obscured by a simple white sheet. Its eyes are vacant with black tears leaking down them,

Puppet Master - Man with pale-grayish skin and yellow sclera. Wears a black cavalier hat, jacket, and pants; a dark-gray cloak with a high collar and red inner lining, dress shoes, and gloves. Can vanish when the lights are out. Manipulates life-sized puppets to terrorize visitors. Stealthy and malicious.

Snow Ghost - A large creature’s ghost, somewhat resembling a yeti. Long, white fur, claws, yellow eyes, and large, thick eyebrows that curled around at the ends, resembling horns. Violent and dangerous. Can fly and is extremely powerful. Leaves behind large footprints.

Spooky Space Kook - A ghostly, humanoid apparition inside of a stange, bulky, blue spacesuit. A skull is visible through the helmet, with dull yellow eyes set inside black sockets. The "background" of the creature's space helmet is entirely dark, but glows red whenever the creature emits its high-pitched laugh. Leaves glowing footprints and fingerprints. 

The Wax Phantom - A nine-foot bulky humanoid made of cyan wax. Can glow in the dark and has super strength. Attempts to turn people into wax dummies. Destructive and murderous. 

The Werewolf’s Ghost - The ghost of a werewolf sheep rustler with a dog-like face, green skin, brown hair, red sclera, fangs, and pointy ears. Wears a black coat over a gray shirt and pants. Aggressive, but ultimately a coward.

The Witch - Stereotypical looking witch: old lady with pale, green skin, long pointed nose and chin, white hair, and yellow sclera. Wears a tattered purple dress and cape, a black, pointed hat and high-heeled boots. Commits malicious witchcraft, can disappear and reappear in a puff of smoke, and fly.

The Wolfman - A man with a dog-like face, fangs, claws, yellow sclera, and pointy ears. Has light gray skin and brown, shaggy hair on his head, arms, hands, and legs. Wears a dark green shirt and a green coat and pants. Feral and fairly strong.

The Zombie - the servant of a witch. A man with very pale, green skin, a bald head, pointy ears, and red sclera. Lanky frame and uneven gait. Wears green shoes, brown tattered pants, a blue-green tattered overcoat, and a pine green shirt underneath. Slow and mean-spirited.

(Monsters and Descriptions from Scoobypedia)

[blotandfangs]

Azul Ashengrotto aka Boss

Azul sat at the Mostro Lounge bar, casually flipping through a rare, ancient tome bound in cracked leather. Its pages filled with indecipherable script from a dead language only a handful could understand. Kleo appeared like a shadow slipping in, eyes sharp and fixed solely on the book.

“I want that” she said, voice flat.

Azul looked up, eyebrow raised “This old thing? You do know it’s worth a fortune and the knowledge inside is far more dangerous than you realize.”

“I do not care about the danger. Just want the book.”

Azul smirked, folding the book closed and slipping her a contract already designed for the situation “Fine. Part-time gig at Mostro Lounge. Two months. No exceptions.”

Without hesitation, Kleo took his quill and signed the contract, her eyes never leaving the book.

“Wait— did you even read the terms?”

She shrugged. “I do not care. I want the book.”

Azul blinked, stunned silent for a moment, then sighed dramatically. “You’re a 400-year-old vampire who just signed away her time like it’s a coupon.”

Kleo looked up at him with mock innocence “Guess that makes you the boss for now.”

Azul’s face flushed a rare shade of red. He cleared his throat and straightened. “I am the manager of this establishment, thank you very much.”

Jade, watching nearby, caught the flush and the sudden stiffening in Azul’s posture. A slow grin spread across his face.

“Boss, huh?” Jade whispered to himself, mischief sparking in his eyes.

⚓︎———⚓︎

Kleo arrived precisely on time for her first shift at Mostro Lounge, a bloodstained notebook tucked under her arm and no concept of customer service in her mind. She was here for the book. The work was incidental.

Jade greeted her with his usual polite smile and a box tied with a velvet ribbon.

“Miss Kleo,” he said smoothly, “Azul has requested you wear this during your shift. It’s… tradition.”

Kleo opened the box.

Inside layed a meticulously crafted maid uniform, Octavinelle-themed. Deep indigo fabric, crisp white apron, lacy cuffs. The long skirt swept elegantly to the floor. And nestled on top—a massive, perfectly tied bow for her hair.

She stared at it. Then looked up.

Jade, picture of composure, inclined his head. “He also insists you address him as Boss at all times while on duty.”

Kleo blinked slowly. “Is that so?”

Jade’s heartbeat didn’t change. He’s good, she thought. But then Azul stepped into view from behind the bar, saw her holding the box, and—

His soul visibly left his body.

“I did not— Jade!” Azul’s voice cracked halfway. “That is not standard—”

Kleo turned to Azul, calm as moonlight bathed in mischief. “You did not choose this?”

“I—O f course not! I would never— maid uniforms are not— Jade!!”

Azul’s ears were practically glowing red. He was fumming in a mix of embarrassment and annoyance.

Kleo smiled, all fang and sweetness. “Too bad. It is very cute.”

She wore it. Every shift.

And called him Boss. Every time.

“Boss, we are out of octopus fritters. Are you replacing them?”

“Boss, someone asked if I bite. Should I charge for that?”

“Boss, I reorganized your costumers ledgers by blood type. You are welcome.”

Azul stammered. Fumbled. Turned various shades of coral pink. He even begged Kleo to stop. She never did.

And Jade? He watched it all, delight blooming behind every sip of tea.

⚓︎———⚓︎

It started the third time Kleo showed up for her Mostro Lounge shift in full Octavinelle maid attire.

Floyd flopped over the counter, eyes lighting up. “Oooooh~ you’re still wearin’ the frilly thing, Vampy Squidy.”

Kleo adjusted her apron, utterly unbothered. “I like the skirt. It twirls.”

Floyd’s grin widened. “I want one.”

Azul, somewhere in the back room, screamed internally.

Jade did not bothered to stop it.

The next shift, Floyd burst in wearing a custom maid dress: same colors, shorter skirt, glittery apron, and no sleeves. He dragged a mortified junior through the hallway to “make it official.”

“Look, Vampy Squidy! Twinsies!”

Kleo clapped once, delighted. “You look adorable.”

“You gonna call me Boss too?” he asked, waggling his eyebrows.

“Absolutely not,” she replied, deadpan. “You bite.”

He leaned in with a snicker. “Only if they ask nicely.”

“But you do have nice legs for desses! Bet we could charge for that.”

Floyd paused.

Eyes narrowed.

“Wanna bite?”

“No way! You would bite back!” Kleo sighed. “Chompy.”

He let out an unhinged cackle, throwing an arm around her shoulders.

He wore the maid outfit for four days straight.

Azul banned it on the fifth.

Floyd protested by attaching a giant bow to the back of his regular uniform and adding lace to his gloves. He insisted it was “vampy-core.”

[pluto-rain-her]

Well... it's over

Final thoughts on fangs of fortune:

The best things about this show were obviously the visual look (beautiful people in beautiful costumes with lots of embroidery and beautiful hair as well as beautiful set design/cinematography), interesting multidimensional characters and the relationships between them (siblings/found family/polycule) and the music!!

In terms of acting i thought Hou Minghao did the best and Lester Lin's acting was impressive too - considering his age.

I liked the plot until ep 17 (half-time), from then on it just became unnecessarily complicated and illogical. No red string following through the story, too many flashbacks, the dialogue sometimes didn't make sense at all, etc.

This reddit post summarises the problem with the plot and the writing really well lmao:

Or as Avenue X put it: Guo Jingming loves a melodrama that essentially looks like one long ass music video but he can't really write. Unfortunate but seemingly true dfghjkl

FoF just like ying yang master could or should have been a movie. Less time wasted on a hot mess of a plot but hey - at least you saw some great costumes, effects and gay people! ;)

Anyways i desperately need a change, so i'm watching skam croatia aka sram now ✌️

[kazumikiz10]

The Cask of Amontillado

By Edgar Allan Poe

The narrator, Montresor, begins the story by explaining that he has been irreparably insulted by his acquaintance, Fortunato, and that he seeks revenge. However, the nature of the insult is never revealed. Montresor wants to exact this revenge in a measured way, without placing himself at risk. He decides to use Fortunato’s weakness for wine against him. During the carnival season, Montresor, wearing a mask of black silk, approaches Fortunato. He tells Fortunato that he has acquired something that could pass for Amontillado, a light Spanish sherry. Fortunato (whose name means "fortunate") is dressed in the multicolored costume of a jester, complete with a cone-shaped cap with bells. Montresor tells Fortunato that if he is too busy, he will ask a man named Luchesi to taste it. Fortunato, apparently considering Luchesi a rival, claims that Luchesi could not tell Amontillado from other types of sherry. Fortunato insists that they go to Montresor’s vaults.

Montresor has strategically planned for this meeting by sending his servants away to the carnival. The two men descend into the damp vaults, which are covered with nitre (saltpeter, a whitish mineral). Aggravated by the nitre, Fortunato begins to cough. The narrator keeps offering to bring Fortunato back home, but Fortunato refuses. Instead, he accepts wine as the antidote to his cough. The men continue to explore the deep vaults, which are filled with the dead bodies of Montresor’s family. In response to the crypts, Fortunato claims to have forgotten Montresor’s family coat of arms and motto. Montresor responds that his family shield portrays “a huge human foot d’or, in a field azure; the foot crushes a serpent rampant whose fangs are embedded in the heel.” The motto, in Latin, is “nemo me impune lacessit,” meaning “no one attacks me with impunity.”

The strategic plan unfolds according to Montresor’s design. He tries not to feel guilty for what he has done to his friend. He concludes that for fifty years, no one has disturbed the tomb, and ends with a Latin phrase meaning "May he rest in peace."Indeed, Fortunato is a good friend yet he was abused by his close friend .If I am going to give an advice for him, I would tell him that he should not trust that much .

The terror of The Cask of Amontillado lies in the fact that there is no clear evidence of what kind of insult Montresor's friend actually committed. The story focuses on revenge without proof and a secret murder that no one knows about. No justice occurs in this story. For fifty years, Montresor has kept this dark secret. Montresor uses his subjective experience of Fortunato’s insult to name himself judge, jury, and executioner in this tale, which makes him an unreliable narrator. Imagine if he disobeyed the rule of God, which forbids putting judgment in one’s own hands when someone sins. Without evidence, he acted on the unsaid reasons for the insult. Meanwhile, Fortunato's addiction to alcohol is the true reason for his death. The thing that actually killed him was his addiction , not Montressor, because at the first place he accepted and went with the murderer’s trap. In addition, during the time of this story, the issue about killing or buried alive was rampant during that time. To the point that Poe’s reason of writing this is this, and for also having that depress gained in his own family, been addicted to gambling .

All in all, always remember that even the closest friend will be your biggest enemy. It is crucial to know them better and never trust that much. If you can only know them by that, don’t just stay by what you see. Sometimes the more you stay , the more sufferings. Just a short reminder that I got in other resources was “Your emotions are valid but your behavior is not. Your anger is valid but your yelling is not. Your jealousy is valid but your judgement is not. Pain is valid but your drinking is not.” This is the exact lesson that you can apply even when you grow up. Separate your emotions from your behavior because the more you believe in emotions , the more that it will hurt you. Try to walk around and look for the positive side of every single things around you. Life won’t ends in darkness, it will always shine if you will choose to be in a good path.