#Handcrafted Environments

[fogaminghub]

🎮✨ Are you ready for an amazing adventure in FANTASIAN Neo Dimension? This game blends classic RPG nostalgia with modern magic! Explore breathtaking handcrafted worlds, engage in innovative combat, and enjoy fantastic music by Nobuo Uematsu! 

Don't miss out on the game that captures the heart of RPG fans everywhere! 🏰💖

[yekkiz]

Norway sky is crazy

[romeshyhotmeshy]

[autobahnmp3]

im BACK she was again rly nice 🫶

[ccastraining]

Ethical Hacking Course In Jaipur

[robin-evry]

Reading your demigod post, I liked it. I actually want demigod! Yuu who is related to Hestia.

sure thing, ask and you shall receive

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐔𝐔 𝐈𝐒 𝐀 𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐈 𝐆𝐎𝐃 ( 𝐇𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐀 ) 🔥

A demigod is a divine mythological figure, a god who is either part human, or a minor god. In ancient Greece, dead heroes were sometimes thought of as demigods. Greek and Roman mythology have their share of demigods, and so do many other ancient religions and traditions.

Demi god!Yuu takes immense pride in making Ramshackle Dorm a welcoming space for everyone. It’s not just a place to live—it’s a home. They have an almost magical ability to keep the fire always burning in the hearth, no matter how cold or chaotic things get. Ramshackle smells of baked bread, warm spices, and something uniquely comforting whenever demi-god!Yuu is around.

Their magic is centered around protective fire. Their flames never burn destructively unless they wills it—they warm, soothe, and shield. During fights, they conjures a dome of fire around their allies, and they even use smaller flames to guide lost souls through dark places, like a guardian light.

They also have a talent at food magic, the food that they always make held magical capabilities, they are able to heal, enhance and banish anxiety. Their cooking has the ability to rejuvenate and heal the bodies and soul of those who ate it.

They also have a habit of finishing their food in half of it and then throw the unfinished in the fire, when multiple students ask why they did it, they said it's a way to say thank you to their mother.

Demi-God!Yuu is the grounding force in Grim’s chaotic life. Their relationship is much like a motherly bond—Grim causes chaos, and they quietly fixes it. Despite Grim’s mischievous nature, he often finds himself curling up by their side when the day is over, soaking in the warmth and comfort only they can provide.

Ramshackle has been transformed from its previously rundown state into a warm, inviting space. They have added soft, plush furniture like oversized couches, armchairs, and thick rugs, making it perfect for lounging or gathering with friends. The walls are decorated with warm earth tones and rustic, simple decor—wooden shelves, woven tapestries, and small plants give the dorm a homey, lived-in feel

.In the spirit of family and unity, there’s a large, handcrafted wooden dining table in the center of the kitchen, where they often serves meals to friends. The table is always set with mismatched, yet charming dishware, and they keeps it stocked with fresh bread, fruit, and snacks. Meals at Ramshackle are a communal affair, with friends from different dorms often dropping by for food and conversation.

The central feature of Ramshackle Dorm under Demi-godYuu care is a large, ever-burning hearth located in the common room. The fire never goes out, providing warmth and comfort to anyone who enters. The flames are magical, casting a gentle golden light that fills the room with a sense of safety. It’s both literal and symbolic, representing their connection to their mother and their role as the heart of the dorm.

Ramshackle has become a popular spot for study sessions under their watch. They’ll prepare snacks, light the fireplace, and create a quiet, warm environment perfect for focusing on schoolwork. The other students find it easier to concentrate when their around, as their calm energy balances the stress of academics.

The kitchen is the heart of Demi-God Yuu’s hospitality. It’s an open space with hanging pots and pans, shelves lined with herbs and spices, and a large brick oven where they bakes their famous bread and hearty meals. There’s always something cooking, filling the dorm with the scent of fresh-baked goods and simmering stews. The fire in the oven is controlled directly by their magic, ensuring perfect heat for every dish.

During free time trey, Jamil and them would try new baking and cooking recipes. You would always expect them at the school's kitchen or at the ramshackle kitchen cooking a hearty meal for students to enjoy.

Btw behind ramshackle holds a garden filled with vegetables and fruits Demi-God!yuu grow by themselves during free time you can always find them tending to the vegetables and for those who steal without permission is gonna suffer from their raft.

Ruggie enjoys their present, since they always give him free food. Or when he's tired and needs a place to rest you can always find him in ramshackle enjoying a meal prepared by Demi-God!yuu.

They love organizing small celebrations or get-togethers for special occasions. Whether it’s someone’s birthday or a dorm victory, they’ll create an event with homemade food, decorations, and warm fires to keep everyone cozy. These small festivals quickly become a favorite tradition among their friends, who look forward to their thoughtful touches.

They have a habit of collecting small, comforting objects from their friends and surroundings—little tokens like handmade charms, smooth stones, or dried flowers. These trinkets serve as reminders of the bonds they’ve formed with others, and they often places them on shelves or keeps them in pockets to carry that warmth with them.

At the end of the day, Demi-God yuu has a ritual of sitting by the fire, quietly meditating or reflecting on the events of the day. They’ll let the flames dance in front of them, using the soft crackling sound to clear their mind. Sometimes friends will join, creating a peaceful, bonding moment before heading off to bed.

They also often crafts small protective charms out of clay, fire, and herbs, infused with a spark of their divine power. These charms are designed to ward off harm and bring good fortune to those who carry them. Many of their friends have one, often worn as a necklace or tucked into a pocket. The charm glows faintly when danger is near, reminding everyone of their protective nature.

Though demigod-Yuu is kind and gentle, they are fiercely protective when it comes to their friends. They don’t always show it, but they’re constantly aware of everyone’s well-being, ready to step in if something goes wrong. Their quiet but vigilant nature means that danger rarely catches them off guard. When someone threatens those they care about, their flames burn hotter and more intense, transforming them from a peaceful caretaker into a protector.

Demi-God Yuu has an incredible emotional intuition, able to sense when something is off with their friends, even when they try to hide it. Whether it’s the way someone’s aura feels cooler than usual or how they’re behaving more distantly, they will pick up on the smallest shifts and offer quiet support. This makes them a comforting presence, as people don’t have to explain themselves for them to understand.

They can channel their fire magic into healing flames. When someone is injured, they place their hands over the wound and allow a gentle warmth to radiate, accelerating the healing process. These flames don’t burn or hurt but instead bring a soothing, regenerative warmth that makes physical injuries heal faster and leaves the person feeling rejuvenated.

Their clothing is enchanted to be fireproof, both for practical and aesthetic reasons. They often wear outfits that are warm and cozy, like oversized sweaters, soft scarves, and long skirts or pants. Their style is practical but has a rustic charm, blending comfort with the feeling of being always ready for action. The clothes seem to emit a slight warmth as well, making others feel comforted when standing close to them.

They also carries a small, portable cooking kit that includes a tiny pot, a collapsible spatula, and a few spices. While it may seem strange, this kit is perfect for impromptu cooking, whether it's brewing a quick soup or making tea. Their always ready to cook, no matter where they are.

Demi-God Yuu can communicate with fire spirits and small ember-like creatures. These spirits sometimes act as helpers or companions, flitting around them, providing warmth, guidance, or even playful company. These little spirits are drawn to their hearth-like energy and often appear when they need a reminder of home or emotional support.

While they are known for their warmth, they carry a deep sadness from feeling like an outsider. Their divine heritage often makes it difficult to fully connect with their peers, leading them to struggle with feelings of inadequacy or not belonging. They share their feelings only with their closest friends, who help remind them of their worth and the positive impact they have on those around them.

Demi-God Yuu has a collection of unique candles from different places, each with its own story. They love to light these candles during study sessions or gatherings, filling the room with various scents that evoke memories and feelings of comfort.

They carrie a small, intricately designed keychain shaped like a flame that their mother gave them as a child. It serves as a reminder of Hestia’s love and protection and brings them comfort in challenging times. They often hold it when feeling anxious.

Malleus has a soft spot for them, often visiting their room to enjoy the warmth and peace it provides. He feels a connection to their hearth-like energy, which calms him in moments of solitude. They share a special bond over their understanding of loneliness.

Demi-God Yuu holds various superstitions related to their heritage, such as always carrying a lucky charm or lighting a candle before an important event. They believe these rituals help them connect with Hestia and bring them good fortune.

Demi-God Yuu has an affinity for puns, especially ones related to fire or warmth. Their friends groan at Demi-God Yuu’s dad jokes, but they can’t help but laugh because of their contagious enthusiasm and genuine joy in sharing them.

They enjoy spending time with Lilia, as he appreciates the warmth they bring to any gathering. They often have deep conversations about life, family, and finding purpose, bonding over their shared experiences as guardians of their respective communities.

They also keeps a journal filled with recipes from around the world. They aspire to learn about different culinary traditions and eventually host an international potluck at NRC, encouraging everyone to share their heritage.

[ozzgin]

Second batch of gifts from grandma Ozz!

Dear 🦊 anon, I wasn't entirely sure what you meant with your request. Thus, I've brought you - quite literally - a big dog. I'm sure you know Spike from Tom and Jerry.

Dear drunk-on-christmas anon, it's nice to finally hear from you! Here's your requested stack of cash, and a little cocktail to help with your potential hangover. You mentioned whisky: this is a nice, refreshing blood orange whisky sour. 60ml whisky, 30ml (blood) orange juice, 22ml lemon juice, 14ml simple syrup. Pour everything in a shaker with ice and an egg white (or chickpea water), and mix. Very refreshing.

Dear 🌵 anon, welcome to the family. I offer you a collection of plants that will most certainly survive any kind of environment, along with the promised warm hug. Wishing you a lot of love, though you will always find plenty of it here.

Dear hand-biter spouse, here is your stash of freshly harvested limbs, all replenished. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and all the happiness in the world.

Dear 🐋 anon, it's good to be back. While you haven't asked grandma for a gift, I still made you a little festive hat to wear underwater. Enjoy your holidays!

Dear anon, here's your promised genie lamp. Stroke it carefully.

Dear @sarah22447, a merry, jolly Christmas from grandma Ozz! Here's Levi in a box. I thought you might appreciate this gift given your recent reblogs. Thank you for being a present member of the community.

Dear anon, here's an open fly. As requested. Hopefully I didn't misunderstand and end up committing a poorly timed comedic relief.

Dear sunny, I thank you for the holiday wishes. While I do celebrate Christmas in the commonly understood way, it's always lovely to learn about other people's festive traditions. In return, I offer you the sorcova. It's a Romanian handcraft and custom that happens on the first of January, where children visit door by door and offer blessings and fortune.

Dear @sephonophorae, consider it a done deal. Grandma Ozz will take care of it. Here's your certificate if you're ever in doubt: you'll always be my beloved grandson. Enjoy your holidays, kiddo!

[knoepfl]

A Crazy Christmas in Zaun

15/24

Characters:

• Viktor – The brilliant yet workaholic inventor from Arcane. Often consumed by his projects, Viktor rarely indulges in personal connections or sentimentality. However, he holds a deep affection for the Reader, appreciating their creativity, warmth, and ability to draw him out of his usual stoicism.

• Reader – Someone who brings light and warmth into Viktor’s often cold, logical world. They are skilled in their own right, crafting and tinkering in ways that mirror Viktor’s passions, but their focus is more on bringing joy and connection to those around them.

Themes and Trigger Warnings:

• Lighthearted Romance – The story centers on a sweet and tender holiday moment between Viktor and the Reader, celebrating their connection amidst the chaos of Zaun.

• Gift-Giving and Sentimentality – The Reader’s handcrafted gift symbolizes their love and effort, and Viktor’s reaction reveals his vulnerability and gratitude.

• Contrast Between Settings – The warmth of their shared moment contrasts with the harsh environment of Zaun, emphasizing the beauty of finding love in an otherwise bleak world.

Masterlist

Words: 688

You were late. Not that Viktor would mind too much—he was used to your unpredictability. Still, you had been planning this for weeks, and nothing was going to ruin tonight.

---

Zaun’s streets were their usual chaotic blend of smoke, dim lights, and the buzz of machinery, but tonight, there was something else in the air—a rare warmth that could only mean one thing: Christmas. The makeshift decorations strung between crumbling buildings glinted faintly in the dim glow of the chem lamps, and you couldn’t help but hum a mangled version of a holiday tune as you darted through the streets, a package clutched tightly in your arms.

Bursting into the small, cluttered lab he called home, you stopped short, your grin widening at the sight before you. Viktor sat at his workbench, hunched over some contraption you couldn’t begin to understand, his golden eyes focused intently as he adjusted a delicate gear with his gloved hands.

“Viktor!” you called out, your voice echoing through the room.

He flinched, nearly dropping the tool in his hand, before turning to look at you. A soft smile spread across his face as he saw you, his ever-watchful gaze sweeping over your slightly disheveled appearance.

“You’re late,” he teased gently, his accented voice laced with affection.

“I know, I know,” you said, bouncing over to him and plopping the package onto the table. “But I brought you something!”

His brow arched, and he tilted his head, the curiosity in his eyes unmistakable.

“A gift? For me?”

“Of course, for you!” you replied, your hands clasping his. “It’s Christmas, silly. You can’t just work through it without any presents or fun.”

He chuckled softly, shaking his head. “I am not one for such traditions. But since it is you…” He gestured to the package. “Shall I open it now?”

“Yes, yes, yes! Open it!” you said, bouncing on your heels with barely-contained excitement.

Viktor’s thin fingers worked carefully at the wrappings, untying the haphazard bow you had knotted at the top. As the paper fell away, his eyes widened in surprise.

Inside was a beautifully crafted pocket watch—though it was unlike any he had seen before. The gears were exposed, spinning elegantly beneath a layer of glass, and the face glowed faintly, almost as if powered by a shard of hextech.

“You made this?” he asked, his voice soft, almost disbelieving.

“Of course, I did!” you replied proudly. “Took me weeks to figure out how to make it work without exploding. But I know how much you love things that tick and spin, so… Ta-da!”

Viktor’s eyes softened as he ran his fingers over the watch, taking in every detail. “This is remarkable, miláčik. Truly.”

Your grin grew wider, and you leaned closer, your voice dropping to a playful whisper. “I may have also inscribed something on the back.”

Flipping the watch over, Viktor read the words etched into the metal: ‘Even when time stands still, my heart ticks for you.’

He let out a soft laugh, shaking his head in disbelief. “You are incorrigible.”

“And you love it,” you shot back, perching on the edge of the table and resting your chin in your hands.

He nodded, his gaze meeting yours with a warmth that made your chest tighten. “Yes. I do.”

You leaned forward, pulling him into a hug. Viktor stiffened briefly, as he always did with physical affection, before melting into your embrace.

“You’re too good to me,” he murmured against your hair.

“And you deserve every second of it,” you replied.

The two of you stayed like that for a moment, the hum of the lab fading into the background. Outside, Zaun’s chaos continued, but here, in the soft glow of your shared sanctuary, it felt like the rest of the world didn’t matter.

“Merry Christmas, Viktor,” you whispered, pressing a kiss to his temple.

“Merry Christmas, my love,” he replied, his voice filled with a quiet kind of happiness that was rare in a place like Zaun.

And for once, it truly felt like peace had found its way to you both, even if just for one night.

---

[dwellordream]

A Guide to Writing Children and Young Teens

Most of this information is derived from the book Yardsticks by Chip Wood, an informational text aimed at educators and parents who are curious as to how children change developmentally from age to age. The book is not just based on the author's observations and experiences as a teacher but on the work of scholars such as Arnold Gesell, Dorothy H. Cohen, William Crain, Maria Montessori, Jean Piaget, Robert Pianta, Caroline Pratt, and many others. Writing Four-Year-Olds:

"Four-year olds are flexible, exciting, and creative creatures who love to exaggerate and engage in imaginative play. A four-year-old's tall tale about an adventure she had with an imaginary friend may puzzle a parent or teacher but delight the four-year-old. And this play is critical for the development of fours' understanding of right and wrong, early application of social rules, and manners. They sometimes can seem especially "bossy" (particularly with their real and imaginary friends), but this assertiveness is positive rehearsal for learning acceptable limits and how to be a real friend and helper." (Wood 2017)

Traits:

Have trouble with reading and writing, as well as most close-up visual activities

Awkward with writing utensils, handcrafts, and small movements

Clumsy; collisions and spills are common

Friendly and talkative; will work near but not with a buddy

Love dress-up games and acting out drama

Enjoy 'potty language' and repeating curse words

Love to be given 'jobs' such as setting the table or folding clothes

Are often fearful at night-time

Writing Five-Year-Olds:

"Five-year-olds take in the world through their senses. They see, smell, touch, hear, and taste just about everything--one thing after another, but only one thing at a time. Their intense focus on detail enables them to see not just the butterfly but the pattern on its wings, its proboscis uncurling into a flower, its antennae waving delicately. Fives can give sustained attention to anything that fascinates them." (Wood 2017)

Traits:

Find it hard to space letters and numbers while writing

Better control when running and jumping than 4 year olds

Often fall or slip out of chairs

Interpret words in the most literal/basic sense

Like to explain things to peers and adults in the most detail possible

Struggle to see accept there is more than one way to play a game or complete a task

May actually believe toys or other objects are alive

Can become stuck in repetitive behavior out of fear of trying new things and failing (such as drawing the same images again and again)

Seek adult approval more than 6 year olds

Writing Six-Year-Olds:

"At six, children's capacity for logical thought begins to blossom. As in Piaget's classic experiment, a six-year-old will tell you that two equal balls of clay remain equal in volume even when one is rolled out into a snake shape. Sixes also begin to grasp cause and effect in the natural world, understanding, for example, that it's the wind that makes the trees move, not vice versa." (Wood, 2017)

Traits:

May experience more frequent illness than earlier years

Are easily upset when criticized by adults or peers

Often in a hurry and sloppy because of it

Teething as they start to lose baby teeth; chew on fingernails, hair, pencils, etc

Start to value competition

Begin to experience anxiety to perform well

Often bossy and critical towards friends

Begin to care intensely about having a 'best' friend

Can understand past and present as a concept and identify historical markers such as year/date

Comfortable working/playing in noisy, busy environments

Writing Seven-Year-Olds:

"Seven-year-olds are serious children who see and feel with a thoughtful intensity. After the outwardly expressive exuberance of six, sevens turn inward to consolidate the enormous cognitive and emotional growth they've just experienced. They become quieter and more sensitive, self-conscious, and self-absorbed as they figure out how to manage new feelings and cognitive structures. Seven is a year of moving forward cautiously, of craving security and structure while avoiding risk and uncertainty." (Wood, 2017)

Traits:

Crave stability and predictability; like knowing their schedule

Become more perfectionist than earlier years and begin to worry about schoolwork for the first time

Usually have a 'best' friend but who that is varies wildly day by day

Love being read aloud to, especially longer books with chapters

Moodier than 6 and 5 year olds

Enjoy being in confined spaces/hiding during games

Start to develop more coordination in sports

Often begin to write far smaller/neater than in prior years

Typically want to keep their personal items neat and tidy

Love secret codes such as Morse code and Pig Latin

Mistakes in schoolwork seriously disturb them

Love to classify and sort things

Begin to enjoy board games and online games

Can memorize poems, songs, and chants easily

Writing Eight-Year-Olds:

"Eight-year-olds wake up in the morning with plans for adventure percolating before their feet hit the floor. To be eight is to be inventive and creative, full of energy, curiosity, and imagination, always in a hurry to try the next new thing--or to create the next new thing themselves. With a friend, or better yet, a group of friends, eights roll along with plans for a parade or a play, thrilled with their truly wonderful ideas for the "what" and blithely unconcerned with the "how"." (Wood, 2017)

Traits:

Develop a love for jokes and sense of humor becomes more refined

Start to care deeply about morality and fairness

Growth spurts can lead to physical clumsiness

Adjust well to change and bounce back faster than 7 year olds

Start to desire the approval of their peers as much as the approval of adults

Begin to form larger friendship groups or cliques

Very talkative and tend to exaggerate about their experiences

Become more ambitious in terms of schoolwork or personal creative projects

Writing Nine-Year-Olds:

"Fairness begins to matter a great deal as nines take on the cognitive task of understanding ethical behavior at a new level. They're concerned about global justice: Why are some people poor? Why are we allowing climate change to happen? Why are some people cruel to animals? Nines show concern about fairness on the local level, too, and often feel singled out for unfair treatment by a teacher, parent, or coach. Their complaints--signs of their increasing understanding of and sensitivity to how the world works--can also be a way for nines to express their growing sense of peer importance and group solidarity." (Wood, 2017)

Traits:

Often eager to try new styles of dress or appearance, such as haircuts or different clothes

May begin to bite nails, twist at hair, make odd expressions to deal with tension or discomfort

Have a general sense of popularity and want to avoid associating with 'unpopular' children

Enjoy negotiating and arguing with adults

Can revert to 'baby talk' when they feel nervous or silly

Begin to appreciate inappropriate/'edgy' jokes, will mimic online trends/memes, especially sexual/racial/body humor

Desire to use social media to express themselves

Start to lose interest in imaginative play; more focused on facts/how things work

Want explanations as to why they have to do homework or chores from adults

Writing Ten-Year-Olds:

"Happy and easygoing tens generally look up to and admire their teachers and parents and take real pleasure in both family outings and teacher-led activities. They enjoy their classmates, too, and can engage productively in collaborative, project-based learning. Because of their relative calmness and instinct for getting along with others, ten-year-olds do well in a variety of group configurations, including mixed-age groups: They can often help elevens and even twelves in cooperative pursuits." (Wood, 2017)

Traits:

Often enjoy reading more than younger years

Ready to start using tools such as compasses, protractors, rulers, and templates

May be hotheaded, but are also quicker to forgive than older children

Are more sensitive and empathetic towards friends than 8 or 9 year olds

Generally like being able to lead/guide younger children

Can concentrate for longer periods of time than younger years

Usually eager to learn new things

Start to enjoy word problems and riddles

Writing Eleven-Year-Olds:

"Elevens are, in a sense, electrified. As adolescence begins, cognitive structures in the brain are rewiring themselves at the same amazing speed at which the body is beginning to transform. Relationships with peers and adults are turning topsy-turvy. At home and in school, academically and socially, eleven-year-olds are busy engaging whole new worlds with a sense of outward boldness, yet inward tentativeness. Their lives crackle with the energy of change as they begin to establish a sense of physical and emotional identity." (Wood, 2017)

Traits:

Stay up late compared to younger children and have more trouble rousing in the morning

Often act out more at home compared to in school

Huge appetites and sleep for longer when given the chance

Often blurt out rude comments without thinking

Cis girls typically have an earlier growth spurt than cis boys

Can become very indecisive and fearful of making mistakes

Like to challenge teachers and parents over rules

Can debate without it becoming personal

Imitate more sophisticated adult language

Begin to focus on what they want to do as adults

Writing Twelve-Year-Olds:

"Along with intense enjoyment of their peers, twelve generally enjoy talking with adults outside the home and can do so with friendliness and a sense of confidence. Yet, twelves can also be unpredictable and hard to read. One day, they fervently want to do schoolwork as part of a group; the next day, they just as fervently want to work alone. They often say "That's not what I meant!" when a teacher misreads their seemingly rude tone or comment. At home, moody, introverted, childish behavior or one-word responses reflect their need to rest and regroup in a safe environment." (Wood, 2017)

Traits:

Want parents and teachers to take them and their ideas seriously

More open to making new friendships than 11 year olds

Often struggle to follow through with practicing a sport or instrument in their free time

Want to help peers with schoolwork

Can appreciate complex moral issues

May begin to discover a subject or talent they excel at

Better able to switch between playful and serious than younger children

Love testing out new slang and pop culture references

Want to make their own money

Writing Thirteen Year-Olds:

"Thirteen is an age of dramatic contrasts. Because thirteen-year-olds commonly slip backward developmentally as well as move forward, they may seem like younger twelve-year-olds one day and more mature than they really are the next. They want adults to notice, listen, and talk to them but also to leave them alone. They're engaged one minute and bored the next, suddenly confident and just as suddenly unsure, alternately outgoing and withdrawn, brooding alone and then shrieking and shouting with friends." (Wood, 2017)

Traits:

May struggle with hygiene and/or acne

Most cis girls have begun menstruating by now

Extremely skilled at mimicking peer behavior

Often mean as a defensive strategy when worried about being ignored or left out

Far more adept at sarcasm than younger children

Can become very quiet and secretive compared to their younger selves

More judgmental of teachers than younger students, will gossip about adults

Interested in global justice issues but struggle with empathy in daily life

Can vary between reserved, stoic behavior and unusual aggression when asked questions by adults

Become messier with their personal belongings

Writing Fourteen-Year-Olds:

"To fourteen-year-olds, the question "Who am I?" seems best answered in terms of "Who are we?" The way that others see these students seems to matter more to them than how they see themselves. Fourteens are moving steadily toward peers and away from parents and teachers as the central figures in their lives. They bond in small social groups, travel street and school together, and pour enormous physical, emotional, and cognitive energy into developing an adolescent subculture." (Wood, 2017)

Traits:

Often embarrassed by the adults in their lives and become very critical of parents

View school as primarily a social experience, don't want to miss out on seeing friends everyday

A small minority will become sexually active

Typically very interested in current events and politics

Will say "I'm bored" when confused, or pretend challenging schoolwork is easy to save face

Love to correct adults and peers on information; hate being lectured

Very expressive faces and body language, can seem contemptuous for no reason

Often become interested in researching various subjects

More willing to admit an error than 12 or 11 year olds; redoing work is not as daunting

Able to joke around with adults

Enjoy mysteries and 'unknown' areas of science/math/history

[jedineedlove]

Weapons of the Monkie Crew

Khakkhara

The basic design of a khakkhara is of a central staff, normally in wood, topped by a finial in metal, with a looped design, from which smaller metal rings hang on each side (similar to the stringing of traditional Chinese cash). Various numbers of loops and rings are employed, with each number being assigned symbolic significance on the basis of a variety of Buddhist numerical formulas. Historical examples from the Famen Temple include staffs with one, two, or four loops and four, six, or twelve rings on each loop.

Several versions of the staff's origin are given in the Sarvastivadavinaya, but in all of them the staff is recommended to monks by the Buddha in order to ward off animals- either for protection from dangerous predatory animals like tigers and lions, or for scaring off small creatures like spiders and snakes that might be trod upon by wandering monks. The ringing of the staff can also alert donors within earshot of the monk's presence, as monks traditionally remain silent while collecting alms.

The number of loops and rings featured on the staff was also assigned symbolic significance, according to a variety of Buddhist numerical formulas- four loops symbolizing the Four Noble Truths, six rings representing the Six Perfections, or twelve rings representing the twelvefold chain of cause and effect

Tripitakas / Tangs staff has four rings and with the added LMK universe flare magic.

Yue Ya Chan (Crescent Moon Spade)

Also known as the monk spade, the yue ya chan (月牙铲) is a typical weapon associated with the Shaolin warriors. It features a crescent-moon-shaped blade mounted on a wooden shaft and a flat wedge-shaped blade on one end.

In ancient China, the Shaolin monks carried spades when traveling to bury corpses they might find on their journey as part of their religious obligation. Eventually, it turned into a self-defense weapon with the addition of the crescent blade, which allowed hooking and sweeping techniques.

Chinese Bronze Swords

Of course, Meis is made of Jade but the Bronze sword I think bests fits her TYPE of sword. Chinese Bronze swords first appeared during the notable Xia and Shang Dynasties in China. They were an advancement from the prior Chinese Dagger, boasting a considerably bigger blade. These weapons stood out because of their wide and robust blades. Initially, people used these swords in ceremonies and rituals. As time passed, these swords played a pivotal role on the battlefield, which significantly altered the course of China's history. Along wth this I put a video of some people showing of Chinese Swords including the one I mentioned.

Nine-Toothed rake/ Baoqin Gold Palladium

This weapon is hard to find much of in the real-world use besides as a gardening tool but in the JTTW the Nine-toothed rake is a polearm with nine teeth. Pigsy’s weapon more closely resembles agricultural tools that were traditionally used by farmers since the Yuan Dynasty. It is said to have been handcrafted by Laozi from divine ice steel and etched with arcane symbols. I may not have been able to find much in words but I did find two videos of some guys showing off how it can be used in a fight.

Staff

Both MK and Macaque currently use a staff. The Chinese staff is considered the grandfather of all weapons. The long staff is the most common, usually about 7ft long, and constructed from hardwoods like oak or white wax. It originated from the long spears used by classical warriors. The Shaolin monks removed the spearheads and trained with only the shafts suited for their peaceful monastic environment.

NOW heres the BIG Question with just about everyone in the Monkie Kid Crew welding a weapon what about...... WUKONG!!

Look his hand-to-hand is awesome and has crazy powers but seriously after his staff has been passed down and this new chaos coming it might be time for Wukong to wield another weapon.

While looking up the other's weapons I found others on theme with other old Chinese weapons.

San Jie Gun (Three-Sectional Staff)

The san jie gun (三節棍) consisted of three short staves connected by chains. It functioned as a self-defense weapon, suited for either short-range or long-range combat. Unlike a long staff, it can be easily concealed and carried. It also allows various methods of attack and defense. Versatile and hard to learn, it is among the weapons of choice for many advanced martial artists.

To stay in the staff family like the other monkeys but still change things up.

or

Chui (Hammer)

A type of mace, the chui (​​锤) was a round hammer, usually used in pairs. It had a heavy head on the end of the handle for delivering powerful strikes. This ancient Chinese weapon was most popular in the Shang and Zhou dynasties.

The chui was known as the copper hammer because it was often made from copper, though other materials were later used. Since they are typically heavy and require great strength to wield, these weapons are not popular among kung fu practitioners.

I picked this for its blunt and powerful hit. Similar to the Monkey King's own fists.

or

Tie Jian (Iron Rod)

The term jian (鐧), written in a different character from the sword (劍), is also used to describe a heavy bar mace with a smooth rod. They were typically made from iron and called tie jian (鐵鐧) or “iron rod,” but there were also tong jian (bronze rod). The name iron rod is a reference to its plain metal rod.

In the West, the tie jian is regarded as a type of Chinese sword breaker—a heavy weapon capable of breaking swords and other weapons. During the Ming dynasty, the military used large two-handed versions of tie jian. By the Qing dynasty, single-handed versions were more common.

This weapon has the blunt power similar to a staff and having the reputation of a sword destroyer it seemed to fit the powerful hit from the Monkey King.

or

Hu Die Dao (Butterfly Saber)

Widely referred to as butterfly swords, the hu die dao (蝴蝶刀) is a type of double saber. These weapons developed due to merging typical Chinese fighting knife blades with Western-inspired hilts. They featured distinctive D-shaped guards, though their blades came in various forms.

The narrow types were efficient for heavy cuts and were likely to be used by the Chinese military units and the local militia. On the other hand, the broader types were efficient for disabling opponents without killing them and remain popular today among martial artists.

I picked these ones because they would be the only dule weapon. Giving some variety.

Each one of these I found could fit Wukong in one way or another. But if you have any other ideas for the Monkey King leave them in the comments

:) Thank you for reading.

[tafferling]

Dying Light: The Beast Demo Impression

Imagine, if you will, a Taff who finds a life saving sort of affection in a game named Dying Light, followed by nearly ten years of dedication to one Kyle Crane. If you’d told that same Taff she’d get to go to Techland HQ after Crane’s return was announced in Dying Light: The Beast, she’d have called you silly. 

And yet.

I had the privilege (the WHAT ON EARTH, how) to watch about forty minutes of Dying Light: The Beast today. It was prefaced by an in-person intro from Tymon Smektała (which was about the most heartfelt thing I’ve ever heard, genuinely), and shown to us on a big-ass screen. 

During those forty-or-so-minutes I might have shuffled in and out of this here physical realm a few times. 

The demo covered an early mission in the game. Here’s what happened:

We start in a small village and tightly forested woodland, a fading day around us. Crane is off to follow a lead, given by the new voice in our ear, named Olivia. The lead will take him to an industrial area. Eventually. But FIRST I get to feast on a gorgeous sunset, lots of smooth as heck parkour, and honestly when we ducked through a small apartment on the way, I wanted to say “Babe, pls stop I GOTTA TAKE PICTURES!”.

I don’t kid. Techland was not fibbing when they mentioned handcrafted; the attention to detail I was criminally denied the chance to rub my face all over has my hopes so far up, they’re tap dancing in the clouds. And then those very same hopes were given wings when two insanely talented artists walked us through how these environments have come together.

Seriously. I can’t wait to get absolutely nothing done in the game because I Must See All And Perceive All.

Anyhoo— back to the demo.

Night falls—as it so likes to do—and we’re warned about how the Volatiles and Freaks (at least I think I remember this right, I was often distracted by, you know, I mean, yeah) are difficult to avoid out here. All that dense woodland makes for shit sight lines and all. But Crane can be subtle and that means I will finally get to hide in the bushes with him come game release. Yay me!

One sec. Spacing out.

What was I saying?

Oh yeah. Stealth. Volatiles. 

OKAY, LISTEN— the sound design in the night-time section of the game was sublime. The snuffing and clicking of the Volatiles. The snap of twigs. The rustle of leaves. Stealth is the jam I like to put on my various bread-adjacent baked goods and this was delicious.

And pretty. Crane’ll be craning (hehe) his head up a lot ‘cause those stars need gazing.

But it’s also a night full of creepy crawlers and so we head towards the nearest safe house, which, in good old Dying Light fashion, needs a bit of TLC. Secure. Remove Infected. Find a spare fuse. Mess with a Charger and his buddies (the handgun came out at that moment and while I do not approve of wasting bullets, I approve of the reload animations). And, finally, plug the newly acquired fuse in and Let There Be Light.

The layout of the safe zone and the tasks to complete brought me back to Harran. I loved the safe zones there; each had its unique look, unique vibe; and was just different enough in what you had to do to secure it to make them their own little experiences. I hope we’ll see this make a comeback.

(Yes, I have not yet mentioned much about Crane. Stick with me. I’ll get there.)

After a snooze (well deserved), we continue to the industrial area, where the demo shifts to showing off guns even more so than before. Honestly, I liked the Dying Light (1) guns. I liked Crane with a gun. He’d always struck me as the type of man who’d know about 500+ ways to kill his fellows; and firearm mastery would’ve been right at the top. So. Yeah. I do like their inclusion.

I also fucking know he’ll keep them holstered for the majority of my game time, because pssst, the bow is right here, darling. We’re using that, quit pouting.

(Hey, she’s still not talking about Crane, is she okay? you may ask. Ha. No.)

We fight our way through a bunch of the Baron’s men, which eventually leads to one of those idiots shooting out some sorta electrical box. There’s a bit of a ruckus over something escaping, a few angry roars thrown in from a distance, and as we decide to investigate we run into a— scientist type? At least I think I’m remembering this right. 

And now I’ll talk about Crane. 

Beware: loads of personal thoughts here; not based entirely on canon. 

Kyle Crane might have once been a man who thought murder is still a big deal. Kyle Crane also might have once been a man who’d roll with the punches, always coming up swinging, but, you know. First he rolls. Then he swings. 

Now? After whatever happened to him between the Following and his capture, leading to thirteen years of being experimented on in what I suspect’ll be a cage of sorts? 

First of all, is murder still going to be a big deal? (No, henchmen don’t count; ludonarrative dissonance wants a word).

Yeah, he doesn’t straight up kill our new scientist friend. Just threatens him. Effectively. But there was a bit of disconnect in how Crane behaved leading up to the solution of the interrogation (him getting what he wanted) and what he eventually did. Namely punch the guy out, rather than kill him. 

I expected our scientist friend to die. I was surprised when he didn’t.

And I expect Crane to no longer roll, but to swing first and not give the narrative the chance to get the first lick in.

All of which I’m deducting from how they’ve leaned heavily into giving him the voice of a man who’s been thoroughly wrung out by that very same narrative. His tone is dark. Clipped. Gone are the expletives; the colourful fucks; and how everyone’s an asshole because that’s just a mood and a half.

And honestly? I don’t know how I feel about it. Yet. Sure, I’m all for the pent up anger we hear whenever he swings a weapon, but—

I love Crane because he wasn’t the moody, broody post-apo dude. You know the Imma chew some nails for breakfast and then get all growly over my (insert trauma here). The Joels, basically (and I gotta hell to the no on him). 

So, no, I don’t know how I feel about this yet. I’m approaching this with trepidation over how they might have removed what made Crane Crane; all in the pursuit of being darker and ‘more mature’, as it’s been said.

BUT— this was just forty minutes. That’s not much. And even if it ends up being true, I’ve still got, like, I dunno— at least another ten good writing years in me to bring that man back to the light. 

. . .

You know what, I am beginning to warm up to this idea. Please. Carry on.

EDIT: Since I’ve originally written this, the new dev blog came out and through that (along with what I’ve heard on site) have made me a lot less anxious about Crane having gone the way of the Complete Grouch. And just as I’ve been getting ideas.

ANYWAY

Our scientist friend got punched out, though not before he’s given us intel in how there’s a Freak here—the thing that just escaped, I presume, I was too busy collecting all the marbles I kept dropping whenever Crane opened his damn mouth to be sure—and how we can lure it.

Next stop(s): get freaky science gas, hop into a truck, drive freaky science gas around the countryside, and then jam it into a freaky science apparatus! 

(I have theories.)

But wait! Ambush! By more of the Baron’s men, no less. They, much like any other good collection of henchmen, have not learned from their rag-dolling buddies’s endless corpses and continue to think attacking Crane is a Good Idea.

Ah, well.

Then, finally, boss time! A Behemoth enters the arena (which is a junk yard, by the way) and it’s bringing with it a certain 10/10 Demolisher vibe paired with more freaky science. Someone’s obviously been tinkering on this gentle-boulder, leaving it with tubes attached to its body that give it this wonderful bioengineered look I’m so endlessly fond of. 

We fight!

It’s not going so well. 

Now I’m suspecting we’re seeing a method on how to build Crane’s fury up enough to unle— 

No. I am not writing that. You can’t make me. You cannot make me say the line, I refuse. I’ll just use increasingly silly alternatives, how’s that?

We get run over one too many times and Crane finally pops the lid off his fury. This applies the same orange filter as the one we got whenever Aiden redlined his biomarker (during a scripted sequence) and allows Crane to literally pick up a concrete barrier and lob it at the Behemoth. 

(You know, I bet that feels really good; delicious payback after getting car after car after car and fridge after fridge after fridge thrown at him before.)

Then he goes toe to toe with it, only to wrap up the fight by pulling the Behemoth’s head off its shoulders. Not cleanly, I’d like to add.

Soooo— what? We’ll be building fury in a number of different ways, then get unhinged and unlock the opportunity to finish with a flair? Cool cool. I’m in. Or so I’m thinking this’ll go. I genuinely do not know the ins and outs. 

What I do know though is that I lost all my remaining marbles after the fight. The camera fucking zooms out and I get to see the whole Crane. And, look, you can’t expect me to go to this event and be perfectly reasonable about this; about seeing this man I’ve dedicated nearly a decade to and remain normal. If you do, why are you even reading this. HAVE YOU MET ME?!

I have no clue if this means we’ll get third-person cutscenes or if this is a cinematic choice done solely for the demo, but a Taff may dream. Right?

The cutscene ends with Crane extracting something from the Freak into a jet injector. 

(Again, I have theories. Fury Power Progression? Fury Power Suppression?)

But anyway. Third-Person Cutscene. Taff is on the floor (not literally, but metaphysically) and the lights come on again and I SWEAR TO GOD, I will play this game at day one come hell and high water, and I am so, so, so unbelievably grateful to every single person ever involved in creating this franchise because you’re all a bunch of heroes to me.

:exhales:

Thanks for reading.

EDIT: I forgot to mention the weather. How did I manage to forget to mention the weather. We got so sopping wet in the rain. It reminded me of the heavy rainfall out in the countryside which I missed so terribly. Cannot wait to see how they've improved the weather system in this one.

From The Following:

[sludgevomit]

You stood in the corner of my damp and cold basement. The stench of decomposing bodily fluids was permeating in the air. It made you want to vomit. The blood, bile, and urine coagulated - forming a brown matter that stained the ground. You tried your utmost hardest to keep composure; yet the slight shake in your body gave you away. It has been twenty-four hours since Sir went out on his hunt. Successful as he found and brought you back to his humble abode. Instincts tell you to scream just as Sir’s other Pets begin to shush each other as they take notice of a new sound. Heavy pounds of footsteps inching closer to the door. Creeks of the door were followed by the echoes of boots; as Sir stalked his way to the middle of the basement. You felt repulsed by the way these other beings were desperately trying to touch this man. Yet, it made you wonder how it was possible to trust him.

Just yesterday, you were with your loved ones. Living a comfortable routine. Now, you were met with a finger pointed in your direction. Curling inwards to have you come forward. “New Plaything. I want you.” Your legs refused to bring you closer. Only moving when the other Pets looked at you with disdain for not obeying. As you placed yourself in front of your capturer, he circled around your body. Inspecting his prey. You jumped, startled when he landed behind you. Unchaining another’s body, forcing them to stand up next to you. You couldn’t help but to wince at the state of their body. Hair shaved, left forearm and hand missing. Scars and burns littered their skin.

The room was quiet as Sir continued to walk around the ominous environment. His fingers grazed over the tools he collected throughout the years. He lets out a hearty laugh when he stops in front of a thin locker. Pulling out a handcrafted battle axe. Mimicked after those who wielded it centuries prior. “New Plaything, Sir wants you to hold down the piece of meat.” He nonchalantly spoke, hands running over the blade and cherry-red handle of the axe. You croaked out “I can’t” as a response. Voice practically betrayed you. “Yes, you can and you will.”

The piece of meat grabbed your hand, leading you both to kneel on the floor. It proceeded to lay down, head near your lap. “Be good, hold down the meat’s shoulders.” You couldn’t stop yourself from placing your hands on the meat's flesh. The slap of Sir’s boot connected with the meat’s sternum was horrific. His stance made sure the body would stay still. With the raise of the axe, the meat began to give its gracious thanks to Sir. “Shut the fuck up. Don’t you understand that Sir is bored with you.” The man ended his sentence with a brutal swing. Blade striking the torso. Hacking through the fatty tissue, fascia that holds the organs in place. Spraying blood and meat along the walls and Pets that remained in the way.

You couldn’t help but watch the gore. Not noticing the last exhale of air leaving the body you were still holding down. Body now separated in two. You look up at the man who just turned you into an accomplice. He licked the blood that sprayed on his lips. Running a hand that was slick with red fluid through his hair. The sticky matter held the tufts in shape, preventing it from shielding his eyes. “Be good and clean this mess up. Have the others help. Don’t disappoint me. You are the new replacement, after all.”

[shall-we-die]

Hello, I have an ask with the obey me dateables, and Luke (platonic) if you write for him ofc, with a fem! Mc who reads ALOT and constantly talks about them, I'm talking about shelves upon shelves of books that have been read.

Have a amazing day and remember to talk care of yourself!

╔‌‌‌‌═══════════════•⊰•°༄༚

{Loving a

talkative sheep}

☰[Main list]•⊰ Obey me!

↬[A/N]•⊰ Thank you so much for requesting dear anonymous 💕

But sorry, I don't write for Luke.

╚═══════════════•⊰•°༄༚‌‌‌

Diavolo always listens intently to MC talking about books with his chin resting in his hand and a smile on his face.

"You have a gift for finding the most interesting stories," he'd say, his eyes gleaming with warmth and affection.

"And the way you weave them into our conversations is nothing short of magical. I could listen to you talk about books for hours on end and never grow tired of it."

He'd lean in a bit closer, his hand nearly brushing yours. "Please, continue. I'm all ears."

As the conversation continued, Diavolo's interest deepened. He would ask thoughtful questions about the characters, their motivations, and even the symbolism behind certain scenes.

His laughter would ring out whenever you made a witty comment, and he would sometimes share his own insights about the books you were discussing.

He would even occasionally recommend some of his favorites for you to read, each recommendation accompanied by a warm smile and a subtle touch on your shoulder.

You could almost feel the warmth of his presence, wrapping around you like a cozy blanket.

Barbatos would listen intently as MC enthusiastically discusses their books, showing genuine interest in the stories, themes, and characters.

Barbatos would admire MC's passion for reading, finding their excitement contagious.

He would use his knowledge of the past and future to offer additional insights or historical context to the stories MC shares, sparking further discussion and appreciation for the books.

Barbatos could find creative ways to incorporate moments from books into special surprises or gifts for MC.

Barbatos would regularly surprise MC with a new book that aligns with their preferences, demonstrating his understanding of their reading tastes.

Barbatos might even playfully challenge MC to engage in intellectual debates about books, fostering an atmosphere of intellectual stimulation.

Barbatos would create a cozy reading nook filled with plush pillows and cozy blankets for MC to enjoy their books, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing environment for their bookworm moments.

Simeon would listen carefully and patiently as MC passionately discusses their beloved books, finding joy in their enthusiasm and the depth of their insights.

He would actively engage in conversations about literature, sharing his own thoughts and recommendations, creating a mutual exchange of ideas and perspectives on the world of books.

Simeon would be happy to accompany MC at the local library or bookstore, exploring new titles and discussing their favorite characters and plots.

He might even surprise MC with a thoughtful gift of a rare or special book she has been longing for.

Simeon might even surprise MC with a personalized bookmark or a handcrafted journal to jot down their reading notes and reflections.

During quiet evenings at home, they would curl up together to read aloud, taking turns in different voices while enjoying the simplicity of shared stories.

Simeon could encourage MC to write their own book, serving as their trusted confidante and supporter throughout the creative process. He'd offer insightful feedback, helping them shape their story into something truly special.

Solomon would be thrilled to engage in deep conversations with them. He would love to hear about their thoughts on the stories and characters, and  would share his own insights on them. They would discuss themes, symbolism and even have debates on different interpretations. It would be wonderful to have someone who shares the same passion for the written word and he would love to hear their opinions on the books they had read. would also be very interested in discussing the author's writing style and background, as well as the historical or cultural context in which the books were written. They can geek out together and talk for hours on end about the stories, characters and worlds that they have come to know and love.

[weirdmageddon]

some thoughts on dave lalonde

so note this isn’t a kidswap au, just a strilonde guardian swap au; a plausible au wherein dave’s meteor(s) are set to land in upstate new york and rose’s in houston tx where they are discovered by mom lalonde and bro strider respectively. so it’s not even really an “alternative universe” so much as “alternative circumstance” because that’s literally all that changes

their interests aren’t swapped; their interests are a natural result of a mix of what they were always predisposed towards (we can look at their post-scratch versions for constants) combined with their living environment. rose strider is still gothy and writes, knits, and has an interest in the zoologically dubious. perhaps rose might handcraft some delirious puppets for her brother-slash-ectofather’s enterprise as a “gift” in one-upmanship. probably has good rapport with the crows that fly into her ironic knockoff disney-princess themed bedroom (see the post i linked above) and get them to fuck with bro passively in exchange for peanuts. she also keeps all the things the crows gift her, pickpocketed shiny things and whatnot

dave lalonde is still the knight of time, still makes sbahj, likes photography, still loves cooking up unbelievably ill jams, still into post-ironic expression, however he’s not irony-poisoned by bro so he’s more comfortable being genuine. his interest in dead things and paleontology comes more to a forefront because of mom’s predilection towards science and genuine encouragement from her. after all she’s made many a mutant kitten herself

i feel like since dave fell to earth with maplehoof, crushing the pony instantly on impact, instead of using its hide to make a bib like a fucking weirdo, mom would paradox clone maplehoof. so dave has a pet pony with a ribbon and little pink heart on it. a knight needs a loyal steed. and hes been attached to maplehoof since his literal first few minutes of existing. so maplehoof wouldnt be bought anywhere, it would originate from itself

i mean he’s seen with the pony at his side in the post-scratch universe so…..

would make sense if the pony mom gifted to rose in canon was more of an involved thing with dave in this circumstance

the only issue is maplehoof cant become his sprite, otherwise that would break the timeloop (they need to come unaltered to earth with dave on the meteor in the first place during the reckoning). also [S] Ride with dave and the scarf would absolutely be a thing at some point

i was thinking maybe instead of a crow, since they aren’t as “everywhere” in upstate new york as they are in that high rise in texas, dave has something more prehistoric put into a sprite. like a parave theropod. can you imagine parave davesprite. maybe an archaeopteryx or something

i guess mom would indulge in a living museum/zoo for “domesticated” ancient organisms all jurassic parked like a weird ongoing experiment but the ectobiology wouldnt be perfect especially because the dna wouldnt be able to be fully read from fossils and specimens. i feel like jurassic park should be dave lalonde’s sort of in-universe media reference the way con air was with john and putting the bunny back in the box. like his friends would just rip on him for living out jurassic park in an imperfect domestic way

and he accidentally kills it through some fetch modus shenanigans. dave still has the bladekind strife specibus but not because he does rooftop battles but because swords are unironically cool, and flings it out the window by accident and it strikes one of the parave theropods in the enclosed zoo below outside his window and dave feels kinda bad

when jade sees it as his server player shes like “oh nooooo :(“ and dave is like “oh god no dont put that in the seizure kernel while i take a piss in one of the many fancy bathrooms this household has”

[starry-eyer]

When I see stuff like this I kinda want to bash my head into a wall:

To start off, I’m not sure whether this person was commenting on book or show Cersei, but honestly, it doesn’t even matter because she’s so much more than the ‘ambitious villain’ or the ‘murderous girlboss’ tropes in both the book and show.

(Of course, I do have my issues with the way Cersei was written in the show like most people but this is simply a rant post so I’m not going to go through the differences of Show vs Book Cersei)

Cersei is a female character who was shaped by her environment, who’s insecurities were created by her environment, and she’s a woman who’s idiotic mistakes can be traced back to how her environment shaped her. She’s much more than a murderous girlboss, she’s both a victim of the system and also a beneficiary of it, while also acting as an agent of it to keep the status quo while also desiring what the system denied her.

Cersei is NUANCED and complicated and even now people hate that about her and want her to have been a purely evil woman handcrafted in a vacuum, ignoring the context of her life because readers would rather not engage with Cersei’s victimhood and nuances because that ruins their idea of: She Was The Problem and Always The Problem. (People would rather say that she deserved her walk of shame instead of interacting meaningfully with the theme of systematic gender-based violence that is so prevalent in Cersei’s story. The exploration of patriarchal violence in Show Alicent’s story is done so horribly in comparison.)

And what really pissed me off about these tags is that this person has clearly decided that they don’t care to interact with the nuance of Cersei and are fine with flattening her, and yet they shit on others for not liking Alicent.

Because of the way Alicent is written in this show, she almost always has a ‘woe is me I can do no wrong’ attitude, which of course drives people away from the character (woe is me I deserve to take a child’s eye 🥺). However, what actually annoys me is how she’s made out to be stupid, foolish, ignorant, and inconsistent due to the horrible writing of this show, all of which are deviations from her book characterization. Also, I despise it when people want me to support writing decisions and changes made in adaptations that are downright misogynistic and are meant to attract the male gaze.

But what pisses many people, including myself, off is how the changes made negatively impacted many other characters. Alicent’s terrible characterization is like a black hole that distorts and warps the whole story! It’s annoying af!

So when people like this say: ‘She’s nuanced and people just can’t handle it 🙄;’ I say: No. She’s horribly written and a different character from the book and people have a right to be critical about these changes that stripped a female character of 1) her agency and 2) her intelligence!

And the thing is, there was little reason for the writers to have made all these changes to Alicent’s characterization! In the book she is an interesting character with clear motives and understandable reactions. She’s cunning and ambitious and acts the way a noble lady who became queen would. And despite her clear ambitions and dislike of Rhaenyra, she still makes a comment wondering about who would protect the Princess from Ser Criston, and yet she then takes Cole into her service after his falling out with Rhaenyra. That’s a perfect example of nuance! Show Alicent could never compare to book Alicent’s clear moral values and consistent disregard of said moral values in pursuit of power.

And because of this, Book Alicent isn’t easy to stomach. It’s hard for most people to come to terms with a character like her and it’s even harder for people to feel sympathetic for her at the end when she went mad with grief.

On the other hand, Show Alicent was designed in a way to garner pity, and when the writers felt like her current arc wouldn’t be enough to garner the specific reaction they wanted they would then throw in a time skip and suddenly she’s completely different and yet still Thee victim. She’s designed to be as sympathetic as fucking possible! The camera angles, the background music, and the lighting is set up in a way to make sure you the viewer feels pity or sympathy for her! Cause that’s her role in this series! She’s thee Ultimate Victim!

But too bad for the writers as many people are fed up with this kind of inconsistent writing. Even when the writers created a whole new challenge for Alicent where she’s shitted on by the green council and forced to face the beast she helped to raise, I and many others could never feel any satisfaction as it was clear that once again Alicent was being made to be Thee Ultimate Victim who was just led astray by the patriarchy and was a victim of it and was only just realizing it so don’t you pity her don’t you feel sad for her and now she’s trying to do the right thing so pls pls pls pity her 🥺~ So it shouldn’t be surprising that many people are annoyed by these eNLiGhtEnEd changes that have led to a complete deviation from the source material.

To summarize: Cersei is an excellent fucking character who’s by no means easy to stomach, and because she’s not easy to stomach she’s often reduced to annoying ass tropes by dumbasses who are reading above their comprehension level. But when you actually try to understand her, you can easily see why she turned out the way she did and you can feel sympathy for her while understanding that she’s both victim and perpetrator! On the other hand, Show Alicent is a mess and HOTD is trying to make her serve a different narrative role than she did in the books so ofc people are going to be unhappy with the changes as book readers are once again faced with the annoying reality that the writers don’t give a fuck about the source material.