#I may still be able to offer something tailored to you!

[bad-and-drawn-that-way]

Another Vox enthusiasts I see? Well if I may...

Vox with a GN Hacker reader who was turned entirely digital after manifesting in hell. They don’t even have a physical form they’re completely stuck within Hell’s databases, their skills are obviously useful to him so he offers them a place on the team which they immediately accept on the condition that Vox makes them a vessel to inhabit because holy shit are they going stir crazy.

I’m not entirely sure how Vox’s abilities work but given he can at the very least project himself onto screens and the like I get the feeling that he’d plug himself into the system whenever they talk. Mostly because it keeps them grounded, they’re alot calmer when he’s actually next to them and not looking in through a screen.

I hope this didn’t get too wordy or long I just wanted to be thorough because I have massive brain rot for this techno mf-

Take your time with this request! Kisses darling <3

-📽

Dude, does anyone else remember having Shimeji's or that internet episode from Fairly Odd Parents? Cause that's what I'm about to write!

Digital Pet [Vox x Digital Reader]

When you first manifested in Hell, you were completely unaware that you had ended up in Hell itself. Because instead of manifesting in the overcrowded circle designated for sinners, you instead found yourself in a digital landscape. Countless screens surrounded you like a million portals. You could see the different shapes and sizes of the devices being used in hell and could even alter whether or not you saw what was being displayed on the screen or what the screen could see itself like a window to Hell.

At first, you had a massive meltdown. From what you could tell, you were the only one in this digital Hell custom-tailored to leave you isolated despite having access to every device in Hell. You wondered what you did to deserve the extra punishment layered on top of not being good enough for heaven, especially since you hadn't done anything particularly evil when you were alive.

You lost track of how much time passed. You entertained yourself by jumping from system to system. You'd watch shows that sinners binged, and you'd watch the city from large advertisement screens that overlooked the sinner's circle of Hell. Anything to stave off the loneliness.

One day, that all changed when you felt an electric buzz make the hairs on the back of your neck stand. You heard the voice of someone swearing and immediately pulled yourself away from the screen you had been sticking your nose into. When you turned, you saw another demon who was still sparking with some bright electric energy as he dusted himself off.

For a moment the two of you just stared at each other in shock. As far as you and Vox knew, you were the only ones who could access the digital realm of Hell's database. Vox is immediately wary, but you are thrilled as you approach him quickly.

"H-Hi, oh my god!" you breathe as you look him over. He didn't look new to Hell, but you had never seen anyone else in the same pocket of space as you before. "Did you just die? Have you seen anyone else? Did you just get here? It's been so long since I saw another person that wasn't on a screen!"

Vox blinked as you rapid-fired questions at him. He looked you over as you rambled something about the irony of his face being a screen when he finally shook his head and held up a hand to stop you.

"Woah, woah, woah, slow down," he started. "What are you talking about? How are you even here? No one else should be able to traverse through the database of Hell but me."

Vox's interest only grows as you explain your situation. "I see," he hummed as he looked you over with new intrigue. "I wonder if you have similar abilities to mine and just got caught in the in-between..."

It was easy enough for him to lure you into a deal. The sheer amount of panic you expressed when he pretended he was going to just leave you there was hilarious at the time. In exchange for you "surfing the web" for him, so to speak, he took you on as an apprentice of sorts. Vox trained your abilities and helped you hone your magic. While you had every hope of one day figuring out how to manifest in the physical realm the way he did, Vox cleverly avoided any pursuit of the possibility.

He liked having full power over you and he'd be lying if he said he wasn't starting to grow attached. While you hadn't learned anything about manifesting physically, you had learned how to appear on his screens. He'd never admit it to you out loud, but he found the tiny image of you running around on his devices and talking with him to be pretty damn adorable.

Despite his manipulation, the two of you actually slowly became friends. He found himself genuinely proud of you whenever you popped up to show him something new you had learned. There was a weird warm and fuzzy feeling in his chest when you would bounce with excitement at your new discoveries.

Sometimes you'd ask him to play a certain show or song for you. Even after you learned how to control inactive devices so you could look up anything you wanted, you still liked to ask him to play things for you just so you could watch them in his presence. You'd send memes to each other and Vox had to quickly excuse himself when you sent him a crudely drawn image of Alastor slipping on a banana peel while he was in the middle of giving a presentation at a meeting.

Vox was emotionally constipated, but he wasn't stupid. He could tell that the warm feeling in his chest was growing and he knew you were the source. He clutched his chest as he stepped into his lair and saw you sleeping on his desktop toolbar, waiting for him to come home after a long day at work. He had promised you that you'd watch the new episode of a show you'd been watching together, but his gameshow had run late.

He sits down with a sigh and traces over your sleeping form, feeling something twist inside of him as his claw only met with the cold, flat surface of a screen. He wondered what it would be like to hold you. To touch you. To have you in his arms while the two of you lay on the couch while you made him watch stupid shows instead of...

"Fuck," Vox whispered to himself as he pulled away from the innocent image of you. He clutched his face as he slumped forward in his chair. He had a decision to make.

And so do you, dear readers! I want to make a part two to this, the real question is:

[tubbytarchia]

Haven't been able to stop entertaining the thought of competition being Joel's love language. Most people that he loves or has amazing chemistry with at least in recent times are ones he's in or had friendly rivalries with (Pearl, Bdubs, Jimmy, Lizzie; Etho can count too. Scott is a wildly different case) and it makes me ill all over again about smallidarity

Jimmy has never had much opportunity to even think of his own comfort aside from a very basic and childish idea of it, so their relationship is built upon Joel's. Joel likes to tease and bully and he likes when it's reciprocated, he likes when he's challenged to help initiate a back-and-forth and although he can get very competitive, it's ultimately friendly. He probably doesn't know how to act when he oversteps, especially in Jimmy's case because he likes Jimmy (and Jimmy likes him) so it's not like he's gonna leave him alone and the upset he causes inevitably repeats. It's not like Jimmy makes it very explicit when he's genuinely hurt (though not for lack of trying), and that's when he's not dismissing his feelings altogether to basically smile through it, so it must be fine (You could also spin it into Joel wanting to "toughen Jimmy up" but that would've probably been an unintentional excuse on his part at most to push down anything he doesn't want to think about regarding their relationship)

With that lens, Joel's gradual change in demenour becomes even more affectionate to me. Jimmy hasn't tended to gain the upper hand over Joel - hasn't been able to reciprocate - so Joel's started letting him. He doesn't bite back as hard or make as harsh of a quip, if anything at all. As much as he does still push Jimmy around, he's helped Jimmy become comfortable where they're on more or less equal footing (or at least getting there). I'd like to think of it as Joel learning to meet Jimmy at a middle ground that's tailored to both their comfort, where they may continue to tease and compete and be little shits, but Joel can also be gentle and encouraging (and learn that he also likes that kind of affection and also that he doesn't need to hate himself for it. I hope). It's not that Jimmy was ever necessarily incapable of keeping up with him, it's their environment that's pushed his own wants and needs down, but Joel could offer a (hopefully permanent) space different from that via his opposition to the norm and his protectiveness and belief in Jimmy

I think his need to mock and compete is something he can learn to put aside for the sake of someone he cares about that much, as much as it goes against his toxic masculinity complex and as much as he'd refuse to admit to or acknowledge it. His past bad treatment of Jimmy is still something he needs to grapple with but sigh. He's doing his best whilst battling his demons. Truly the poster child of "he bullies you because he likes you"

[jellyfitzjelly]

May I request a prompt where Zevlor caught his gn reader (s/o) debating on whether they should give him the clothes they sewn for him (they sneakily borrowed his clothes for measurements especially for the tail!) because they forgot their sewing skills still need a lot of improvement? Like it won't fall apart but it's clear it's not done by a professional either!

Here you go! Hope you like it! :D

Tailoring your heart | Gen | Fluff

Zevlor strolled around the Grove, feeling despondent. They were finally able to leave, but the Commander didn't want to go. He had foolishly developped a soft spot for the adventurer that had so selflessly helped them: Tav. He imagined them at his arm, strolling Baldur's Gate, dancing in streets and admiring the city. He shook his head. What would a young thing do with someone like him? They probably had a sweetheart back home waiting for them. He heard a voice echoing in the trees. Curious, he followed it. He stumbled upon Tav holding rags.

"Should I give them? No... He'll laugh at me, right?"

Zevlor frowned. What were they doing here, in the middle of nowhere?

"But I spent so many hours sewing this... But it's so ugly, he'll hate it!"

It was only then that the Commander realized that what the adventurer was holding was not rags, but garnments they sewed... He felt guilty.

"Gods, I am so bad at this! I can't possibly offer this to him! What if it doesn't fit? No, Tilses gave me his clothes. I took all the measurements, it should be fine..."

Zevlor blushed. They made this? For him? Why?! Did they... Did they like him? Lost in his thoughts, he stepped on a branch. Tav sharply turned around, paling when they saw him. The Commander cursed himself.

"Sorry," he said awkwardly, "I did not mean to pry. I am truly honored you made such a thoughtful gift for me."

Tav blushed, stammering:

"Oh, it's nothing really! Just– Just something to keep you warm til you reach Baldur's Gate!"

The adventurer pushed the clothes into his hands before all but running away. Zevlor blinked, surprised, before he became overwhelmed with tenderness. He brought the clothes back with him to try them on. Tav's skills left a lot to be desired, the clothes sitting awkwardly on him especially around the tail, itching at some places, yet Zevlor wouldn't refuse them for anything in the world. He breathed into the scent Tav left on them, thinking of the hours they put into them, and promised himself he would seek them out in Baldur's Gate.

[cirilla-fiona-riannon]

Translations may not always capture the exact nuances or tone of the original text. Expect grammatical errors.

Blank, ageless, and suspicious blogs will be blocked.

The party was bustling with several guests as they mingled and enjoyed drinks together.

(Where is Emma now?)

She and I were separately entertaining the guests, but the merchants would notice me whenever I occasionally glanced at her.

Merchant: "You still seem to be getting along well with Lady Emma."

Merchant: "Speaking of which, I have an offer that she might like. Would you be interested?"

(These kinds of talks have been increasing lately.)

Silvio: "Alright, if you're so confident, show me."

The person who approached me was a skilled merchant who had gathered together a group of talented tailors.

He spread out before me the design of a gleaming, gem-studded dress.

Merchant: "This is a masterpiece crafted by a skilled artisan."

Merchant: "We also have matching earrings designed to complement the dress."

Merchant: "I think it would suit her."

(It's quite flashy. Back in the day, I might have considered it, but now that I know her preferences...)

Silvio: "Rejected."

Merchant: "Huh?"

Silvio: "It's not about the design. Emma prefers simple dresses."

Silvio: "Having this many gemstones would make her self-conscious."

Silvio: "If you want me to consider buying it, bring something that appears simple at first glance but has intricate, elegant details."

Silvio: "Gemstones are necessary only in moderation. She's already stunning without any extra accessories."

Knowing her preferences, I naturally get enthusiastic about giving orders to the merchant.

(Still, these people don't really understand her.)

(If they observed her usual behavior, they could come up with better proposals.)

As I thought about it, a bitter feeling welled up within me.

(Thinking about it now, I used to do stupid things like this before.)

Silvio: "Well, no matter what dress it is, Emma will be able to pull it off."

Silvio: "Someone as beautiful as her would outshine even the most glamorous dress."

Silvio: "That's why it's pointless for her to dress extravagantly. I mean, who could possibly outshine Emma?"

Merchants: ".........."

Silvio: "What?"

Merchant: "Nothing, we just thought that you truly loved her."

(.............)

(.............)

I suddenly realized the inappropriateness of my previous statement.

(What the hell did I just say?)

(She didn't hear me, right!?)

I nonchalantly scanned the room and made eye contact with Emma, who had been accompanying the noble ladies.

It seemed like she had heard the conversation as a mischievous smile played on her lips.

(I've made a fool of myself.)

Overwhelmed by embarrassment, I grabbed a glass of wine and downed it in one gulp.

(Damn it. Now that it comes to this, I'll humiliate her even more than she humiliated me.)

Silvio: "Now that we've talked about it, I might as well finish the story."

Silvio: "Emma is not just elegant and refined."

Silvio: "There's something more important than money to her, and she has a strong spirit that isn't easily swayed."

Silvio: "She's a cheeky woman who, despite her small stature, takes on even the toughest enemies."

Silvio: "But that's the noblest thing about her."

Silvio: "Despite being a rabbit, she has the ferocity of a beast when she bites back."

Emma: "P-Prince Silvio! How about getting some fresh air for a moment!?"

Unable to endure any longer, Emma took my arm and forcefully led me to the balcony.

Emma: "Doing that in front of those people is so embarrassing!"

Silvio: "It's not a big deal. It's only normal to show affection."

Silvio: "What? You were grinning like an idiot a moment ago, and now you're embarrassed?"

(But the one feeling more embarrassed is me, you idiot.)

(Especially since everything I said was the truth.)

Emma: "Of course I'm embarrassed!"

Silvio: "........."

Emma: "My heart is racing so much right now. I don't think I can go back inside."

Her whispered words sounded so fragile that they seemed to melt into the sea.

I looked at her as the light sea breeze blew and ruffled her hair.

(Her face is bright red, even in the dark.)

Unable to resist, I instinctively sealed her lips and put my hand on her blushing cheek.

Emma: "Prince Silvio! Are you trying to make me even more embarrassed!?"

Silvio: "You say that, but deep down, I know you're happy."

Emma: "Well..."

Emma didn't retort, and her expression suggested she wasn't entirely opposed to it.

(Another reason to fall in love with you.)

Silvio: "We're alone now, so let me have another kiss."

(If I keep getting these cute reactions, I guess it's okay to be a bit more romantic sometimes.)

Taking her silence as consent, I leaned in to capture her lips again.

We enjoyed a kiss that tasted a bit of alcohol in the hidden shadows of the curtain.

[ptn-imagines]

Sorry tumblr is being a butt! Anyways, if I may, I'd love to read or hear any headcanons or imagines involving reader/f!Chief with either Countess Chelsea, Hamel, Eleven, Sumire, or Garofano. Whichever one(s) inspiration strikes for you. If I could be a tad bit more specific, maybe the prompt could be something like "the ways you and the specific Sinner(s) are kind and affectionate with one another"? Could be SFW or NSFW. Sorry if this is too much, been feeling kinda down with ennui and current state of the world and all. And please, take care of yourself and write at your own pace :)

I, uh, felt inspired. To say the least. Anyway, this has made me realize that it'd probably be faster to list Sinners I can't see as autistic... Also, in hindsight, I realize you may have meant this romantically. I mean, these can be read romantically, but they can also be read platonically. I hope you enjoy either way!

The ways F!Chief and her Sinners are affectionate and kind with one another

Countess Chelsea

It's a given that she'll shower Chief in dozens of gifts. Literally dozens. Whether Chief wants it or not. You know how she is. It technically counts as an act of kindness?

Also, with all the money and influence she has, she's definitely able to get Chief invited to many exclusive opportunities. The best seats at the theater, private movie premiers, exclusive, high-society galas, you name it; Chelsea can and will get it for Chief.

Honestly, Chief does accept these invitations from time to time, because not only are they a way to get away from the strain of her work, Chelsea is able to provide a nice buffer against her usual Mania magnet tendencies. In that she can help contain any disaster that breaks out, not that she can prevent the Mania from being drawn to her like a moth to a flame. Chief is pretty sure there's no Sinner that can do that.

Finally, the most lowkey way Chelsea shows affection is by letting Chief cuddle with Sitri on those days when she's tired. Sitri may be a terrifying big cat made of gemstones, but Chief has long since found that when it comes to cuddling, Sitri is a fairly nice substitute for a fluffy, domestic housecat. She also has the perk of being big enough to be able to curl around Chief, which is comforting. It's just a matter of getting comfortable, since gemstones are not the softest thing to lay against. Luckily, Chelsea is always willing to provide ridiculously ornate (but functional) blankets and pillows.

Honestly, the number one way Chief shows kindness to Chelsea is simply spending time with her. Though it's true she can be overbearing, Chief knows her heart is good, but deeply lonely; it's why she keeps asking Chief to be her sugar baby, after all. She doesn't seem to realize that Chief prefers spending time with her just for the sake of doing so.

Also, whenever Chief does wear a piece of clothing or an accessory Chelsea bought for her, you can count on the Countess being absolutely over the moon about it for the next week. Chief feels like it should be harder to make Chelsea happy, but… it's not, it's just not. The lapidarist is just too kind-hearted, too full of love and too earnest to be difficult to please, if you know her. And Chief knows her quite well.

Finally, when Chief has a spare moment, she helps Chelsea take care of Sitri sometimes. While she doesn't have the same needs as a flesh and blood cat, she still needs a form of grooming and brushing in the form of polishing, and unlike regular cats, that is a task best suited to human hands. Countess Chelsea is always diligent in this task, but nevertheless she has yet to say no when Chief offers to help, enjoying their bonding time.

Garofano

Like Countess Chelsea, Garofano has one really obvious way she shows affection to the Chief, and that is through mending and tailoring clothes. Half of the Chief's non-work clothes were handmade by the assassin.

Garofano is also really experienced with people and the human heart. If you need a shoulder to cry on but not a flat out therapist, Garofano is pretty much the go-to, and for the Chief? She's always willing to lend an ear. One time, an exhausted Chief actually passed out on Garofano during one of these sessions, and the assassin didn't move for hours, simply holding her close.

Finally… The younger Sinners in the Bureau tend to demand Chief's attention, a lot. While there's no doubt Chief would love to spend time with them around the clock, that's not feasible… So Garofano doesn't mind stepping in to corral them. Her warm, motherly vibes draw the kids in with ease, and they love spending time with her too; Chief is eternally grateful for the breaks Garofano has gotten for her.

When it comes to returning the kindness, Garofano isn't as easy to please as Countess Chelsea, but she's also far from difficult. She has a fairly mild temperament (usually), not tending towards either extreme.

Returning favors to Garofano seemed difficult to the Chief at first until she realized that Garofano was often so busy doing acts of service for others that she neglected herself. From then on, Chief did her best to help Garofano out in small ways such as assigning someone to tidy her cell when it got a little too haphazard, or bringing her meals when she got so engrossed in a project she forgets to eat. These little things go a long way with Garofano.

Most of the Garden would like to receive flowers as a gift, and the seamstress is no exception. It can be difficult knowing which flowers which assassin prefers, but Chief's got it down to a science: for Garofano, flowers symbolizing other members of the Garden (such as poppies and cherry blossoms) are best, but purple carnations, symbolizing Garofano herself, should be avoided.

Finally, Garofano's nature is that she very rarely finds herself in a position where she herself needs to vent… But she is still only human, with her own problems and feelings. When they all become too heavy of a burden for her to bear alone, she knows she can always trust Chief to take care of her.

Hamel

Hamel doesn't enjoy being touched – which makes the fact that she allows Chief to do so a gesture of deep trust and affection. Chief is always careful not to push Hamel's boundaries with this, but even on the days where this simply means being able to stand closer to Hamel than normal, Chief is grateful and honored.

Hamel is also a very withdrawn person, but she has a very vibrant and imaginative mind. While happy with her own company, it's human nature to seek companionship, and Hamel will almost always seek it from the Chief; if there's something interesting that has caught her attention, she can actually be quite excitable in conversation.

As long as it's what she truly wants to do and not being forced upon her, Hamel loves to dance on stage for an audience; however, she's a lot more hesitant about letting others see her practice. Yet, she often invites Chief to watch her rehearsals, seeking out her opinions on each movement. Chief, Hamel feels, is not only a safe and trustworthy person, but someone who can feel the emotions of her dance just as well as she herself can.

Compared to Countess Chelsea and Garofano, Hamel is probably the hardest to read and return kindness to. Still, Chief figured it out, and it was absolutely worth it to see Hamel's rare and precious smile.

First of all, Chief makes sure that Hamel can always find a stage – and an audience that'll appreciate her. While she's not against letting Hamel perform in Eastside if she feels up to it, Chief is quick to scare off anyone who might try to exploit Hamel. She respects her dance as an expression of the self, not a cash cow, and though she doesn't always have the words to express it, Hamel couldn't be more grateful.

Secondly, Chief makes a point of checking in on Hamel a lot. The dancer has an unfortunate habit of getting lost in her own mind, forgetting completely about the outside world and sitting still and quiet for hours. It's not exactly healthy for her and often leads to spikes in her M-value, so Chief always keeps an eye out for these moments so she can “wake her up” with the shackles.

Finally… It turns out, Hamel really loves stuffed animals. Chief never imagined she'd form a habit of buying sealife plushies, but here she was; besides, the noticeable brightening of Hamel's mood when receiving a new one was worth the expenditure. Hamel's bed was covered in plushies she'd received from the Chief, though her favorite was the first one she'd been given, a stuffed jellyfish. That one has a place of honor by her pillow, which it only ever leaves to be held by Hamel.

[salty-lemon-shark-from-the-sea]

Maya and the Three (Being Lady Micte’s right hand/ best friend)

💀 To be as close as you are with Micte you most likely knew her before she married Lord Mictlan. Probably when she was a young goddess.

🌻 In the beginning she’ll be nice maybe using you to climb up the power ranks, but after seeing you’ll be there she starts to see you as a real friend. Will even start to treat you like a real friend. May hurt you a couple of times, but does try to make it up.

💀 One of her bridesmaids at the wedding. She'll need you to help calm her down from pre-wedding gitters. After the wedding, she makes you her right hand. Even gives you your own little throne so you can sit by her side and entertain her.

🌻 Part of being her right hand is having her confine her secrets to you such as her fear of the marriage and how she's not happy in it. You're the first person she told about the affair. You also have to be able to protect her, that's going to be the only reason Mictlan keeps you around.

💀 After she gives Maya to the Tecas she locks herself in her chambers and cries quietly to you about her feelings while you rub her back and offer her whatever comfort she requires. If Lord Mictlan asks about his wife you just answer with “She's not feeling well seems she's gotten sick from the baby,” Sends you as a messenger to check up on Maya when she can not.

🌻 Once Maya starts the quest Lady Micte sends you out to report back and update her and her husband playing it off as nothing but that. Sends you to actually fight Maya and the gang one of the times, but to not injure the girl, to check up on how much she has learned. If you end up getting hurt in the fight Micte will help patch you up while you share the events.

💀 Enough of the main story for now. You'll be the one to help her with her face paint even if you are not the best she still will be glad to have you do it. Has you helped with the flowers in her hair if you really can't do face paint. She trusts you to make her look presentable and powerful. Let's you try in her headpiece as a joke.

🌻 The friendship is a fair amount of give more than get, but she'll still do things for you. If you want something ( food, clothes, jewelry) it's yours. If you like someone god or mortal you can tell her and she'll keep it a secret. Might even try to get the two of you together. Plus, just being her right hand gives you immunity from Lord Mictlan’s wrath.

💀 Really does try her best to be a good friend, but she's just not the best with relationships and tends to accidentally hurt those close to her. That means you too. However if you know she doesn't mean to then you'll be fine and she’ll just appreciate you even more.

🌻 Like to match clothes. Cliche I know, but I can just imagine her pick-out outfits so that you match as a way to show she's your friend. May even have outfits tailored just for your two to match.

💀 Expects you to fight against Lord Mictlan with her. 1) You do and end up having to watch and hold her as she dies. She'll later apologize for everything she's done to ever hurt you when she comes back for a bit. Please visit her in the land of the dead. 2) You stay on Lord Mictlan’s side and fight against her. If you go to comfort her when she's dying she’ll forgive you saying it was only fair for how she treated you. Might not want you to visit her as much as if you fought with her.

🌻 Please bring her sunflowers when ever you visit the human realm. They don't grow in the underworld and all she really gets are marigolds. One of the best birthday gifts you could get her, so simple yet they mean so much.

💀 One of the few gods/goddesses who see her true side. The funny and caring one who's not just a disguise for her husband. You are also one of the few who can get her to laugh. Truly laugh.

🌻 Imagine staying up late on your balcony overlooking the underworld. With you both drinking a bottle of whatever you could find while laughing, joking about your childhoods, and what it's like these days. Then all of a sudden you get philosophical and share both of your problems and worries. Not judging one another.

💀 Going on owl rides as a way to get out of the throne room and underworld. If you can fly that's fine, but if you can't or just want to ride on her soft feathers she’ll 100% let you unless she's badly injured. Help her to get feathers out of her hair once she's back in her goddess form. Let's you keep them.

[dailycharacteroption]

Magical Assassin Operative (Operative Alternate Class Feature)

(art by Raszul on DeviantArt)

Operatives prove that the right strike in the right place can change the flow of battle, but there are those that prefer something a bit different than the fickle nature of blows to vulnerable places, some of which we’ve covered here before, but today we’re looking at an operative that adds a little magic to their offensive mix.

Now, magic is nothing new to the operative class. After all, you’re encouraged to interpret the more marvelous abilities they can learn as technology, magic, or hybrid tech at your discretion. And on that note, certain exploits and specializations are expressly magical.

However, our subject today is one that uses magic to influence the amount of damage they do, having learned just enough magic to imbue their operative weapons with destructive energies and other magical effects, almost like how the arcane assailant soldier does as a natural evolution of the magus class of distant yesteryear.

I can imagine these operatives might range from failed magic students that discovered a knack for killing or espionage, to magical assassins that specialize in dangerous targets that are resistant to conventional damage for whatever reason. These are devil-slayers, construct-breakers, and wizard-humblers all in one.

Instead of using their skills to create openings, these magical assassins quickly assess their magical knowledge to channel raw elemental power into their weapon of choice, making it more damaging as a result in the same fluid motion as they attack. What sets this apart from a trick attack aside from the elemental damage is that the weapon retains the charge for about a minute, allowing them to unleash subsequent attacks with the charged weapon with no additional skill checks needed.

Later on, they also imbue their weapons with the magic of various basic weapon seals, including those of moral alignments, projectile guidance, durability, defiance, and so on. As they improve, this list grows to include those that trade out the base damage of the weapon for various elements instead, or those that strike true against incorporeal foes or deal especially grievous wounds, even imbuing multiple at once.

The big advantage of this alternate class feature is that you only have to succeed a roll once for extra damage, at the cost of less damage on average and it’s potentially resistible elemental nature. However, also being able to later add various temporary fusion seals mean they can also tailor their weapon to pierce the defenses of their foe further. As such, I’d recommend putting plenty of skill ranks into various skills that can be used to identify creatures, not just mysticism, so that you can tailor your magic to the best of your ability. Also, consider how to combine this magical theming with your specialization and exploits as well.

It's interesting to think of the reasons that operative pragmaticism blends with the power offered by magic. Some may be thieves or agents specializing in magical problems without the trapping of true mages, or they might be fiend or other outsider hunters that know they could not take such beings in a direct fight and so learn to strike from the shadows. Additionally, the fact that they activate this form of attack as part of an attack gives of the vibe of the innocuous assassin suddenly revealing themselves to be an actual threat to their prey the moment it becomes too late, which is a nice visual.

Dull gray and serious, Valgan Sparkwire lost his vibrancy when he flunked out of magic school, but while a dour attitude grips his heart, he still makes use of what he learned as a hired knife in the undercity. The gnome would never admit it, but a part of him still yearns for magical discovery, though.

Akatas and veshreds are not the only dangers clinging to asteroids in the void. Sometimes truly monstrous threats lurk, sealed away by ancient guardians or simply there by fluke of chance. With such exotic threats out there, it pays to magically-skilled scouts on prospecting missions in the belts, ready to put an energy-charged bullet in whatever is stalking your miners.

A murder investigation centers around a frostbitten decapitated corpse. The lead investigator seems to think it was the work of a gelugon’s blade, but one forensic scientist thinks it must be the work of a strangely superchilled vibrogarotte, which narrows the list of suspects down in a very different way.

[fearindulgence]

❤️ extravagantliar

Send ❤️ + a URL and I’ll write something nice about them/their blog!

@extravagantliar you’ve been named and shamed.

Their writing is some of the most phenomenal I’ve ever known and I enjoy reading everything they have to offer and I will always promote their work. I love the way they write multiple characters and how the writing is still tailored to each character (Hojo, Hughes, etc).

They know how to hit you where it hurts and their vocabulary is amazing and constantly tripping me up - which is wonderful as it causes me to look things up so I improve with my own.

One of their defining traits in my eyes is how they always manage to become a center piece in a fandom by way of their storytelling abilities and general knowledge on how things work, leading to some insane meta building posts.

Truly, nobody else could write Varric better. That is to say, I’m sure there are others out there who write him wonderfully - but they will never hold the same magnetism Elisa has to be able to draw so many people in such a way that inspires me. And makes me awfully envious, too.

May I consider myself their foil, as a little treat?

[shabby-alonso]

come under the cut with me as we take a look at the music of rgg

Introduction

Before getting into specifics, let’s talk about general form and function - the things (nearly) every track we touch on will have in common. All these tracks are battle themes and not just battle themes but final boss battle themes. This puts them in a unique position in relation to other tracks on the OST, as they are all intended to be heard once and in the final section of the game while also being memorable and impactful. Where other battle music can be more generalised, intended for random encounters or no-name bosses (sorry Kashiwagi), final battle music has to be tailored to the final fight. This probably goes without saying, but it’s still an important thing to keep in mind when listening.

Video game music operates in much the same arena as movie music. The main differentiating factor being that while movie music generally succeeds when it goes unheard, video game music generally succeeds by being heard while augmenting the action on-screen and offering one piece of a memorable experience. That is to say, all these tracks are intended to be dynamic and loopable first and foremost.

I want to lay out a couple of things to get yourself in the mindset of a purposeful listener, as well. When you listen to the music you want to do a broad listen first, and then more close and careful ones. Ask yourself, how does this make me feel? Is the music cold? Is it warm? Is it joyful? Is it sombre? And so on. Even without any knowledge of how to “properly” describe the techniques or even the sound itself, within the conventions of film and/or video game music, as we understand it, you should be able to intuit at least one part of the whole emotionally. After emotion you want to listen for instrumentation and texture. Texture in this case is how “thick” or “thin” a piece of music is – the more layered instruments and sounds the more thick the texture. The instrumentation itself can also impart a meaning, is it largely guitar-based? Piano? Orchestral? Acoustic or electric? Analogue or digital? Does the instrumentation fit a certain region ie: is it using only Western orchestral instruments or things like a sitar, shamisen, steel drums, etc that may invoke a specific place.

Once that is finished, you can look to the setting itself. What is going on on-screen, what do we already know about the characters being depicted, and how can the music tell us more about them? Hopefully, in the analysis that follows I will be able to give you a few nuggets of this information and open you up to trying to find your own angle, if you feel so inclined. I can only give one reading, lest we be stuck here for eternity, but that doesn’t mean the reading I give is the only valid one. Any timestamps refer to the official soundtrack, though the in-game versions will be discussed and the accompanying visuals discussed when relevant.

I would suggest listening to the tracks herein discussed prior to reading. The OST versions will be linked, but I would suggest watching video of the final fights as well, if you would like to do your own reading. Attempting to listen as you read will make it much more difficult to really listen and far too often music is used as something to fill space without any attention paid to it.

For Whose Sake

OG1, K1, 0

Without further ado, let’s get started with our first ever RGG boss - Nishikiyama. Not counting Ishin, as Izo is a different character, Nishkiyama’s theme has three main iterations. The original, Kiwami, and 0. Each of these are variations on one another, as the main melody and chord progression remains the same throughout, and they all say different things about Nishikiyama and the conflict at hand.

Nishikiyama’s theme, For Whose Sake, ultimately, acts as a parallel to Kiryu’s in Receive You much in the way his character does. The melodies are similar, but divergent, to underscore their shared beginnings and their distance by the end. The opening interval in both pieces is the same and it can be heard throughout the soundtrack of the original PS2 game, a constant that ties he and Kiryu together regardless of what point in the story one is.

In its original iteration, Nishikiyama’s theme’s melody is constrained entirely to a chorus of synth strings with no clear singular leading instrument. He is not as much of a standout as he wants to be. Like the ill-fitting suit, the melody isn’t really his. It’s impossible to know if he cannot exist without Kiryu or the other way around. Acoustic guitars fill out the rhythm section, while most of the rest of the soundtrack is inundated with electric guitar. This acoustic spin lends a more intimate nature to the music compared to its more bombastic counterparts, stripped down, reminding us this is a more personal battle. A waterfall of synths breaks up the main melody before returning to begin the loop again. Like his irezumi, Nishikiyama sits at the top of the falls, but he’s never able to crest them.

0 takes a step back, stuttering the entire melody to the point that no one note flows to the next - barely a spray of mist on a river. In 0, Nishikiyama is not yet fully the Nishikiyama from the first game in neither temperament nor status. Not only that, but his fight is against Majima, a man with whom he has no history and no real solid link. There’s no reason for the melody to be intact.

Kiwami moves in the opposite direction, making this theme much more cinematic, almost grandiose. Giving the melody to french horn, with strings taking the backseat and hardly any synth, Kiwami presents Nishikiyama in a more focused light. Fitting, as it also adds multiple scenes featuring him throughout the game in between chapters. However, this does somewhat undercut the rest of what I previously mentioned. A more open and sweeping orchestra sounds more impressive, but narratively for Nishikiyama it’s fluff. The waterfall motif is also removed, for some reason, leaving it somewhat of a shell.

Some of these decisions may partially be hardware-based, with the later games becoming more complex texturally. Interestingly, Y1 starts the intro to For Whose Sake in the cutscene before the battle, with it creeping in while Kiryu and Nishikiyama talk about finally deciding to settle things with a fight, while K1 forgoes starting the theme until the lead-up to the dynamic intro. In my opinion, this also puts a larger wall between the two narratively than is originally presented.

pt2 here

[paradiserottttt]

— INTRODUCING , 𝐒𝐄𝐎𝐍𝐆-𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐍 𝐁𝐀𝐄𝐊 .

*     ◟    :    〔   gong yoo  ,      cis-man    +   he/him    〕      SEONG-HOON BAEK ,      some say you’re a  FOURTY-SEVEN         lost soul among the neon lights.      known for being both  MAGNETIC  and  VOLATILE ,  one can’t help but think of  COUNTERFEIT   by   AMAARAE  when you walk by.    are you still a  DISTRICT ATTORNEY /  UNDERBOSS  at    BURNING GODS ,     even with your reputation as the SYCOPHANT?     i think we’ll be seeing more of you and   AN INSATIABLE AMBITION , PERFECTLY TAILORED SUITS ,  A SMILE THAT DOESN’T REACH THE EYES  although we can’t help but think of APOLLO (GREEK MYTHOLOGY) , HARVEY DENT (THE DARK KNIGHT) , DUKAT (STAR TREK)  whenever we see you down these rainy streets.      (      lia  ,      25  ,      they/she  ,     n/a ,   pst    +    n/a  .     )

— STATS . FULL NAME . seong-hoon NICKNAMES . ?BIRTHDAY . may 7th AGE . fourty-eight GENDER . cis-man PRONOUNS . he/him FAMILY . marcia ramos (ex-wife), [unamed] baek (younger sister), bartleby ramos-baek (adopted son) ORIENTATION . bisexual biromantic OCCUPATION . district attorney underboss @ burning godsMARKINGS/TATTOOS . none PIERCINGS . none HEIGHT . 5’10

— PERSONALITY . POSITIVE TRAITS . ambitious, charasmatic, innovative, persuasive, diligant NEGATIVE TRAITS . self-serving, sycophantic, neglectful, pretentious, disloyal LANGUAGES . english, spanish, russian, italian, french EDUCATION . bachelors and juris docotorate MBTI . entj (the commander) ENNEAGRAM . type 8 (the challenger) MORAL ALIGNMENT . true neutral.  DEADLY SIN . greed HEAVENLY VIRTUE . dilligence ZODIAC . taurus sun

— BIOGRAPHY WHAT IS ONE TO MAKE OF THE BOY HANDED EVERYTHING AND STILL LEFT YEARNING FOR SOMETHING MORE? When Seong-Hoon is born, he is everything parents desire. They are your picture perfect middle class couple, with aspirations  for their children to follow their dreams. Seong-Hoon and his younger sister become the apple of their parents eyes— childhood arts and crafts projects and A+ assignments are the pinnacle of the Ajai household’s decorations. Seong-Hoon lives for such praise, and its only when he realizes he would receive it regardless, no matter how menial the feat, that he grows disinterested. There is nothing to actively work toward, not when anything he does becomes solid gold in his parents’ eyes.

When Seong-Hoon attends high school, he does so with a goal in mind. To become something more than he presently is— to be someone successful in ways that would surpass his family’s current standing in society. Seong-Hoon is diligent— and well-rounded in athletics, sports, and extracurriculars. His parents worry he’s stretching himself too thin, he assures them that when you want something bad enough, there’s no such thing. He recognizes this difference in ideation. It’s why they were able to be so content with their present, mundane existences. They would never wholly understand where he was coming from.

When the time comes to attend university, Seong-Hoon is picking between several Ivys, but he settles on Harvard, where he would remain for his Bachelors and eventual Juris Doctor. He returns home, a newly minted lawyer— acquiring a job as a public offender. He’s a damn good lawyer— (for mediocrity was never his style), and knows he can be a better one if given the opportunity to do so. Somewhere along the way, he crosses paths with MARCIA RAMOS. In her, he recognizes a mutual hunger, an insatiability and intensity he’d only encountered within himself. They take New York City by storm.

 It is when they’re at their peak that BURNING GODS makes them an offer. Seong-Hoon, a newly minted assistant district attorney, is moved by the suggestion that he could reach the title of district attorney in record timing. It’s fairly easy to get Marcia on board— with the promise of their mutual glory, there were few lengths they weren’t willing to go to. He loves her for this very reason, and it is the same reason that he eventually goes to despise her. When you’re willing to give up everyone and everything, no matter the risk or cost, how could it not extend to the person who sleeps beside you every night?

The divorce comes and goes with ease— custody and the assets are easily split. Their sole child had presently been enrolled in boarding school anyhow, coming home occasionally for holidays— spending a significant time with his parents. (He could never be half the parents they were— there simply wasn’t a paternal bone in his body. Fatherhood is left on the wayside in the pursuit of glory.) He understands why him and Marcia couldn’t be together. They’re too much alike for one. After all, bad people rarely made for good marriages. This is the simple truth of the matter.

Burning Gods gives Seong-Hoon everything he desires and more. He is granted the position of District Attorney— and it is difficult for the public not to love him. Sure, a time eventually arrives when rumors of Seong-Hoon's mob ties begin circulating, but Seong-Hoon appears practically unmoved in the public eye. A natural time, and a desire to please (when it directly benefits him, of course) had already gotten him this far. Besides, when your district attorney just so happens to be an underboss of one of the most powerful national crime syndicates, then purifying the public of mafia influence became easier said than done.  Seong-Hoon Baek is here to stay— intoxicated by the idea of his own infallibility. 

— ; TLDR

definitely would be part of a trading group

never satisfied overachiever attends prestigious college

becomes a public defender with the attention of moving up the ranks

gets married to a fellow social climber and is eventually recruited by burning gods

they help him become district attorney heehee

— ; WANTED PLOTS

someone sus of his potential mafia ties

someone he potentially betrayed to get ahead

seong-hoon is a kiss-ass, maybe it turned into something more but he was still really just after the material gain

a friend? they do dumb expensive things and it's probably extremely superficial

[wolfsbanesparks]

Is it hard to do FTH as a first-time creator? Even if just doing one fan work up for auction?

Hi anon!

I'm assuming you mean signing up to offer a fanwork when you've never made one before. (If I misinterpreted that just send me another ask)

To that I would say that it largely depends on you.

Signing up to join the event is simple and being a first time creator won't hinder the process at all. Just fill out the google form for each fanwork you'd like to offer. You'll be able to include in your auction the length/complexity of the fanwork you want to offer, any subject matter/character/ship you are uncomfortable working with, what you are interested in including, and whatever else you feel is important for your bidders to know before going in.

But as advice, when signing up for the auction (and this goes for everyone), be realistic in what your are able to offer. Give yourself some leniency so you don't commit to something you can't complete. All fanworks are due December 31st so plan accordingly.

During the auction you should also be aware that you likely will get fewer bids than a more experienced creator in the same fandom. Each creator has the option to link to their past work (their ao3 account, an art specific tumblr etc) so bidders can determine if they will be a good fit. If you don't have that there are some people that simply won't bid on your auction even if your offer is something they would be interested in.

That being said, every bidder has a different criteria for when and why they bid on an auction so there may still be people interested in your offer. FTH also uses the Golden Needle tag to point people towards auctions without bids during the final few days of the auction!

You should also be a aware that your highest bidder gets a say in what you make. You will be tailoring your fanwork to their ideas. Some people struggle with that while others enjoy having a prompt to work off of. If this is your first fanwork, I would suggest you take advantage of the Regiment of Fan Laborers, especially if you find yourself having trouble.

Hopefully this helps you make a decision about joining FTH, we are always happy to have more creators!

If you have any other questions or concerns I'll be happy to help!

[brehaaorgana]

I just said some of this in the comments but you cannot assume that all fashion brands which ensure fair/living wages and decent treatment of factory workers are selling $180 t-shirts or whatever all of the time, and so therefore you "can't afford to buy more ethical products."

Op touched on some of this too, but like:

Step one: reduce consumption.

Also repair what you already own and like! Mend it, spend a little money to get it tailored, etc. Reuse what you can.

The thrift/secondhand clothes market is absolutely flooded with clothing because the fashion industry overproduces SO MUCH at such high volumes. There is more clothing than thrift/consignment stores can possibly ever sell. It's also easier than ever to find decent quality clothing secondhand online. There's no reason to ever shop ultra fast fashion like shein or temu, because there's still nice quality stuff for under $20 or under $10 in real life and online thrift/used markets all the time.

As for slow/ethical/eco fashion and clothing companies: Yes, sometimes they sell a T-shirt for $64 or $118!

But do you know what else I have seen these companies do?:

They have a wide variety of bonus discounts people can qualify for (including literally "low income discount.")

They often have their own secondhand markets for their clothing, so you can buy their clothing used and at a discount easily!

Some of them have textile recycling programs that are either free or involve purchasing the recycling return label bag, and the items you send to be recycled then grant you a credit towards shopping. (I just got a $25 gift card to a shop this way.)

They may have mistaken overstock of a specific color or size sales! (Wow that $168 dress is now $25 because they screwed up and ordered too many.)

They significantly discount retiring prints/patterns/styles or low stock items!

They have sample, archive, or seasonal end sales at big discounts.

Hell, it's April. A lot of them are discounting things for earth month.

Like if you're at a place where you can afford target new, and you're not able to find something used for what you need, then you need to know there are more ethical, sustainable, or accountable options out there with equivalent prices when you check sales.

Guess which one(s) is/are Target Brand at full price, and which are just things on sale at companies that do offer documentation on their factories, supply chain, their fair labor/trade certifications, employee guarantees, environmental impact reports, etc etc for all the clothing made?:

V-neck tee $18

Slim fit v-neck tee $15

Billow sleeve tee $20

Mock turtleneck long sleeve tee $20

Open front cardigan $30

Babydoll romper $30

Terry side zip pullover $25

Belted tea length dress $28

Organic cotton tee $15

Ruffled column dress $37

Men's fleece hoodie $35

Men's graphic hoodie $33

Halter jumpsuit $50

Ribbed tunic sweatshirt $30

Pointelle rib cardigan $18

Long sleeve shirt dress $45

Twill pencil skirt $25

V neck peplum top $23

Yes, I did ensure to include plus size inclusive brands!

Answers below the cut:

Target brand items: 2, 4, 5, 11, 13, 14, and 16.

"crochet can't be made by machines" went from being a cool fun fact to being a call to action of "so if you see mass manufactured crochet in Target, that was made by a person and they were underpaid and you should boycott it" which is true, it was made by a person, but EVERY item of clothing you own (that you did not purchase from a company using ethical labor) was made by a person being underpaid (at *best*.)

Sewing machines are operated by *people*. Knitting machines are operated by *people*. Yes lots of the process is automated but you cannot tell a machine "make me a t-shirt" or "make me a knit cardigan".

Higher awareness of fast fashion, and the true human labor and abuse behind it, is GREAT, but let's not pretend that the crochet hat in target is THE problem. Every article of clothing in target is the problem. "All clothes are made by people" is the jumping off point here into understanding this issue it's not just crochet it's the whole thing ahhhhHHHHHHHHHH

[cleverhottubmiracle]

We all love the summer and everything it brings, including the good weather (most of the time!)But when the temperatures go up, you might be wondering what to wear in the hot weather.It can get humid, close, and sticky, no matter if it’s day or night. You’ll still need to wear clothes, so this guide addresses that.Here’s what to wear when we’re having a spot of hot weather. From the best menswear to the coolest fabrics and materials, you’ll learn it all in this guide.Key TakeawaysChoose breathable fabrics such as linen and cottonWear a loose or relaxed fit. Stay clear of tight or clothing that’s fitted close to the bodyChoose T-Shirts, polo shirts and short sleeve shirtsWear shorts which are suitable for the occasion: Sweat shorts or swim-shorts for a relaxed vibe, chino or tailored shorts for a smarter lookAvoid heavy fabrics such as denim, thick shirts and thick heavy cottonsThe Best Fabrics To Wear In Hot Humid WeatherWhen it comes to dressing for the heat, there’s certain fabrics that deal with things better than others. Keeping cool in the heat first starts off with wearing the right fabrics.These are:You should make sure the fabrics you wear are lightweight, and avoid any heavyweight fabrics. That includes any heavy fabrics listed above, and of course fabrics such as wool and leather.Linen ShirtsLinen is the fabric for Summer tailoring, and it’s the perfect choice if you need to look smart while keeping cool at the same time. I’ve got myself a brand new linen shirt and it’s proving to be a good buy this season.Linen is very thin, it’s very fine and therefore good for the heatwave we’re currently experiencing.There’s plenty of options available, with high street brands such as ASOS, H&M and Uniqlo all offering great options, as well as higher end brands too.CottonIt is a more breathable fabric, and can keep you cool. However it will absorb water, i.e. your sweat.This is obviously not good, and you’ll end up with a soaking wet T-shirt, that’s soaked in your sweat. – Not a good look, or a good smell either.PolyesterThere’s a good reason why gym wear, football shirts and athletic wear is usually made from polyester.It deals with water, or this case, sweat, well. The wicking properties draw sweat away, and definitely leave you feeling much more comfortable than a cotton T Shirt would.Ultimately the choice is yours; If you’re prone to sweating you may opt for polyester, if you’re hot but it’s not causing you to sweat a great deal, you may be able to get away with a thin, light cotton tee.Brands to consider in this one would be the sports brands; Think about Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Reebok and Puma.Cotton vs Polyester: T ShirtsT Shirts (especially white t shirts) are the obvious choice when it comes to wearing something on your upper half, but there’s a bit of a problem when you want to keep cool.You have a choice between a blend, or something which is either cotton or polyester.Both are good in their own ways, and for most scenarios you’d pick cotton. But we’re talking about the phenomenon of a British Summer here, so it’s a little different.The Best Fit For Hot Weather: Loose Or Oversized Fits In T-ShirtsThere’s no doubt that the more room your body has to breathe in your clothes the better it is.There’s nothing I like more than a good slim fitted t-shirt, but when it comes to dealing with the heat, a more generous fit is better.Go for an oversized fit when dressing casually. It will feel a lot nicer than a tight fitting tee.Short Sleeves Over Long SleevesIt almost goes without saying, but you should choose short sleeves shirts and t-shirts over long sleeves.Long sleeve t-shirts are traditionally a lot smarter, but if you’re in a situation where a button up shirt is required, a short sleeve t-shirt may do the job.When it comes to t-shirts, there’s no doubt that a short sleeve variant is a must.Swap Shirts For PolosThere’s no doubt that a shirt, especially a smart shirt is a piece of formal clothing. But if the occasion dictates you can go smart casual, a polo shirt could be a great alternative in the heat.A short sleeve polo shirt will still leave you looking smart in the summer. While it’s not formal in the dress code sense, it still looks the part in most smart casual settings.Wear Light Colours In A HeatwaveContinuing on from above, you should embrace light colours in all the clothes you wear.Light colours absorb less heat from the sun, whereas darker colours absorb more heat.If you’re thinking about wearing that brand new black fitted T-shirt in the blazing sun, you may want to think again, and swap it for a crisp white tee.Wearing the right pieces made with the right materials is key to dressing smart in a heatwave.Smart Chino ShortsI know what you’re thinking, you don’t wear shorts in the UK, only on holiday right? No! It’s perfectly acceptable to wear chino shorts in your usual day to day life.When it comes to work, you may want to check your dress code, but chino shorts are smart, and should be acceptable in a smart casual environment.Sweat Shorts For Relaxing In The HeatWhen relaxing chilling out or what you can wear more casual clothing, sweat shorts could be considered.They can be a thick fabric, but since there isn’t too much fabric, will be a better choice over stuffy jeans or trousers in the heat.The Best Trousers To Wear In SummerSo you may be asking the question, I don’t want to wear shorts, what should I wear?Well the answer is chinos or light trousers. When I say light, I mean it in every sense of the word. Light in colour and lightweight.When you’re thinking of colours think White, sand, light grey and beige.If you’re feeling particularly colourful, you may want to add in some pastel colours into your wardrobe too.Avoid Wearing Denim Jeans When It’s HumidIf you’re looking at wearing jeans, then you should wear light colours, and also make sure they’re super light weight.Ripped denim will give your legs a bit of extra cooling, and of course white jeans are always a good thing, as you’ll know I love that trend for Summer.I styled mine above with a nautical T Shirt, as well as a linen jacket.Most of the time you should look to avoid denim jeans. A lot of jeans are a thick heavy fabric which is not breathable or good in the sun.For your footwear options, you should be considering comfort, weight, materials and of course style.In the heat you’ll want to ensure you’ve got some light footwear on that’s breathable. Formal shoes look great, but the thick heavy leather doesn’t do your feet any good in the heat.For casual occasions, sports trainers will work well, since they’re built to deal with sports. Lighter footwear such as canvas shoes including Converse are light options that work well in summer.If you can get away with it, sliders or flip flops could be an options, especially for around the house.Hats, Sunglasses & AccessoriesAnother must have for hot weather are fashion accessories. I am talking about hats and sunglasses.I love to wear sunglasses in the summer, and if it’s sunny outside, they’re needed.When it comes to a hat, you’ll want to wear one of these to protect your head if you’re out in the sun for prolonged periods of time.You can go for a classic baseball cap, or if you’re feeling some 90’s or festival style, go for a bucket hat.Outfit Ideas For Dressing In The Heat – Smart CasualI really love my linen shirt, and also a white cotton tee along with some light coloured chinos.The shirt can be worn buttoned up on it’s own, or layered with the tee, but when it’s so hot, I’d probably skip the layering.How are you coping in the heat?What do you prefer wearing in the uncomfortable sticky hot weather?Let me know what you think of these ideas on what to wear in the hot weather, and if you’ve got your own tips on how you’re coping, let me know in the comments.You can read the full guide on summer fashion this year which provides a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about style this summer. Source link

[norajworld]

We all love the summer and everything it brings, including the good weather (most of the time!)But when the temperatures go up, you might be wondering what to wear in the hot weather.It can get humid, close, and sticky, no matter if it’s day or night. You’ll still need to wear clothes, so this guide addresses that.Here’s what to wear when we’re having a spot of hot weather. From the best menswear to the coolest fabrics and materials, you’ll learn it all in this guide.Key TakeawaysChoose breathable fabrics such as linen and cottonWear a loose or relaxed fit. Stay clear of tight or clothing that’s fitted close to the bodyChoose T-Shirts, polo shirts and short sleeve shirtsWear shorts which are suitable for the occasion: Sweat shorts or swim-shorts for a relaxed vibe, chino or tailored shorts for a smarter lookAvoid heavy fabrics such as denim, thick shirts and thick heavy cottonsThe Best Fabrics To Wear In Hot Humid WeatherWhen it comes to dressing for the heat, there’s certain fabrics that deal with things better than others. Keeping cool in the heat first starts off with wearing the right fabrics.These are:You should make sure the fabrics you wear are lightweight, and avoid any heavyweight fabrics. That includes any heavy fabrics listed above, and of course fabrics such as wool and leather.Linen ShirtsLinen is the fabric for Summer tailoring, and it’s the perfect choice if you need to look smart while keeping cool at the same time. I’ve got myself a brand new linen shirt and it’s proving to be a good buy this season.Linen is very thin, it’s very fine and therefore good for the heatwave we’re currently experiencing.There’s plenty of options available, with high street brands such as ASOS, H&M and Uniqlo all offering great options, as well as higher end brands too.CottonIt is a more breathable fabric, and can keep you cool. However it will absorb water, i.e. your sweat.This is obviously not good, and you’ll end up with a soaking wet T-shirt, that’s soaked in your sweat. – Not a good look, or a good smell either.PolyesterThere’s a good reason why gym wear, football shirts and athletic wear is usually made from polyester.It deals with water, or this case, sweat, well. The wicking properties draw sweat away, and definitely leave you feeling much more comfortable than a cotton T Shirt would.Ultimately the choice is yours; If you’re prone to sweating you may opt for polyester, if you’re hot but it’s not causing you to sweat a great deal, you may be able to get away with a thin, light cotton tee.Brands to consider in this one would be the sports brands; Think about Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Reebok and Puma.Cotton vs Polyester: T ShirtsT Shirts (especially white t shirts) are the obvious choice when it comes to wearing something on your upper half, but there’s a bit of a problem when you want to keep cool.You have a choice between a blend, or something which is either cotton or polyester.Both are good in their own ways, and for most scenarios you’d pick cotton. But we’re talking about the phenomenon of a British Summer here, so it’s a little different.The Best Fit For Hot Weather: Loose Or Oversized Fits In T-ShirtsThere’s no doubt that the more room your body has to breathe in your clothes the better it is.There’s nothing I like more than a good slim fitted t-shirt, but when it comes to dealing with the heat, a more generous fit is better.Go for an oversized fit when dressing casually. It will feel a lot nicer than a tight fitting tee.Short Sleeves Over Long SleevesIt almost goes without saying, but you should choose short sleeves shirts and t-shirts over long sleeves.Long sleeve t-shirts are traditionally a lot smarter, but if you’re in a situation where a button up shirt is required, a short sleeve t-shirt may do the job.When it comes to t-shirts, there’s no doubt that a short sleeve variant is a must.Swap Shirts For PolosThere’s no doubt that a shirt, especially a smart shirt is a piece of formal clothing. But if the occasion dictates you can go smart casual, a polo shirt could be a great alternative in the heat.A short sleeve polo shirt will still leave you looking smart in the summer. While it’s not formal in the dress code sense, it still looks the part in most smart casual settings.Wear Light Colours In A HeatwaveContinuing on from above, you should embrace light colours in all the clothes you wear.Light colours absorb less heat from the sun, whereas darker colours absorb more heat.If you’re thinking about wearing that brand new black fitted T-shirt in the blazing sun, you may want to think again, and swap it for a crisp white tee.Wearing the right pieces made with the right materials is key to dressing smart in a heatwave.Smart Chino ShortsI know what you’re thinking, you don’t wear shorts in the UK, only on holiday right? No! It’s perfectly acceptable to wear chino shorts in your usual day to day life.When it comes to work, you may want to check your dress code, but chino shorts are smart, and should be acceptable in a smart casual environment.Sweat Shorts For Relaxing In The HeatWhen relaxing chilling out or what you can wear more casual clothing, sweat shorts could be considered.They can be a thick fabric, but since there isn’t too much fabric, will be a better choice over stuffy jeans or trousers in the heat.The Best Trousers To Wear In SummerSo you may be asking the question, I don’t want to wear shorts, what should I wear?Well the answer is chinos or light trousers. When I say light, I mean it in every sense of the word. Light in colour and lightweight.When you’re thinking of colours think White, sand, light grey and beige.If you’re feeling particularly colourful, you may want to add in some pastel colours into your wardrobe too.Avoid Wearing Denim Jeans When It’s HumidIf you’re looking at wearing jeans, then you should wear light colours, and also make sure they’re super light weight.Ripped denim will give your legs a bit of extra cooling, and of course white jeans are always a good thing, as you’ll know I love that trend for Summer.I styled mine above with a nautical T Shirt, as well as a linen jacket.Most of the time you should look to avoid denim jeans. A lot of jeans are a thick heavy fabric which is not breathable or good in the sun.For your footwear options, you should be considering comfort, weight, materials and of course style.In the heat you’ll want to ensure you’ve got some light footwear on that’s breathable. Formal shoes look great, but the thick heavy leather doesn’t do your feet any good in the heat.For casual occasions, sports trainers will work well, since they’re built to deal with sports. Lighter footwear such as canvas shoes including Converse are light options that work well in summer.If you can get away with it, sliders or flip flops could be an options, especially for around the house.Hats, Sunglasses & AccessoriesAnother must have for hot weather are fashion accessories. I am talking about hats and sunglasses.I love to wear sunglasses in the summer, and if it’s sunny outside, they’re needed.When it comes to a hat, you’ll want to wear one of these to protect your head if you’re out in the sun for prolonged periods of time.You can go for a classic baseball cap, or if you’re feeling some 90’s or festival style, go for a bucket hat.Outfit Ideas For Dressing In The Heat – Smart CasualI really love my linen shirt, and also a white cotton tee along with some light coloured chinos.The shirt can be worn buttoned up on it’s own, or layered with the tee, but when it’s so hot, I’d probably skip the layering.How are you coping in the heat?What do you prefer wearing in the uncomfortable sticky hot weather?Let me know what you think of these ideas on what to wear in the hot weather, and if you’ve got your own tips on how you’re coping, let me know in the comments.You can read the full guide on summer fashion this year which provides a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about style this summer. 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[yomica12345]

Spying on our Thoughts: Chapter 3

Chapter 1 Link, Chapter 2 Link

Ao3 Link

Warnings: Emotional Distress, Threats, Power Dynamics

Chapter 3: The Hold of a Serpent

“Agent Knight? Can you hear me?” Patton’s voice wavered as he switched through the cameras on the monitor. “Agent Archiver, I can’t see our knight in shining armor anywhere.” He bit his lip, glancing anxiously at the screen. Still no response. He scrolled through the feeds again. “Agent Archiver?”

Nothing.

Patton winced, slowly removing his headset. What if they’re in trouble? What am I supposed to do? Am I supposed to just… wait?

Someone sounds distressed. Is there anything I can do to ease your fears, dear?

Patton yelped, banging his knee against the slim desk. He scrambled to his feet, leaning closer to the screen as if the voice might somehow materialize there. “You’re here? My soulmate’s here? I can’t believe this is happening!” He chuckled nervously, his face warming as a moment of silence stretched on.

Right, sorry, he thought, a little awkwardly. I’m not used to thinking my answers. I’m just… worried about my friends.

You lost track of them? I may be able to help. It would be easier if I knew where you were.

Patton nodded automatically, opening a small cabinet. I can meet you at the entrance in a minute. He pulled out a light blue dress.

May I know what you look like so I may be able to recognize you?

Kicking off his shoes, Patton caught his reflection in the mirror as he zipped up the back of the dress. A giddy grin crept across his lips despite himself. ‘Course. Well, I’ve got blond curly hair, and I’m wearing this really cute light blue dress. Oh! And I wear glasses—they’re big and round.

I am sure I will be able to spot you easily now. Thank you.

Patton adjusted the fit of a pair of flats before slipping out of the van. The night air ran over his skin as he hurried around to the venue’s entrance.

Can I get a name, my darling? I would like to know what I can call you.

Patton. My name’s Patton, but you can call me Pat or Patty for short—or whatever you like. Patton giggled softly, slowing his pace as he neared the door. His smile faltered when he spotted the bodyguards stationed there. How am I going to get in?

Allow me to handle this.

Patton hesitated, watching as someone stepped out of the venue. The figure was clad in a sleek black and gold suit, the sharp lines of the outfit perfectly tailored to the man’s frame. Patton’s breath caught as his gaze landed on the familiar red scar that curved across one side of the man’s face.

“No.” His voice was barely above a whisper. “Jan—Janus Deangelo? But you—I…”

My soulmate can’t be a crime lord...

Patton took an instinctive step back, his eyebrows raised as his grip tightened on the sides of his dress.

Janus turned away from one of the men, removing his hat with a flourish and offering his hand. He bowed slightly, the movement deliberate and theatrical, his gaze never leaving Patton’s.

“Patton,” he drawled, a smirk curling at the edge of his lips.

Patton kept his hands close to himself, lifting his gaze from Janus’s hand to his face slowly.

Janus sighed softly and reached out, gently taking Patton’s hand into his gloved one. He guided him toward the entrance. “It’s cold out here, dear. You’ll be warmer inside with a drink.”

Patton’s thumb absently traced the textured fabric of Janus’s glove, the motion soothing him as he focused on the sensation. He watched their hands as they walked, his thoughts swirling, until he stopped abruptly. “You’re—”

Janus turned to him, pressing a finger to his lips, eyes flickering to those around them. “Shh. I am already aware of what I am, Patton.”

“And I’m a spy,” Patton pulled his hand back. “And I’m—”

Before he could finish, Janus covered his mouth with his hand, shaking his head. “Perhaps,” he said softly, “we should discuss this somewhere more private.”

Patton swallowed hard, his hand trembling without something to hold. Is he going to hurt me? Would he… would he kill me? Oh my gosh, he’s going to kill me, and then he’s going to find Archiver and Knight, and—

“I’m not going to hurt you, Patton,” Janus said firmly, cutting through his spiral of fear. “You’re my soulmate. Now, can you take my arm? We’re moving this conversation upstairs.”

Patton hesitated, the trembling in his hands gradually easing as he tentatively looped his arm through Janus’s. Tears pricked at his eyes as they walked side by side, the soft hum of chatter and faint music filling the silence between them. I shouldn’t have left the van. This is my fault. I should have stayed focused on the mission.

The pair ascended the staircase and entered a private room with dark couches surrounding a low table. Behind them, a man who had followed them up stopped just outside the door, waiting silently.

Janus gestured toward the couches. “You may sit wherever you like, dear.”

Patton spun to face him, the tears he’d held back finally spilling over. “Are you going to hurt my friends? Please don’t hurt them. We’re just here for information, I promise.”

Janus guided him gently onto one of the couches, his movements deliberate and unhurried. He sat down on the couch adjacent, his posture relaxed yet attentive. “I promise I will not lay a hand on any of them, but I’d like for you to inform me what sort of information you’re searching for exactly. What is your purpose here?”

Patton’s voice was barely above a whisper. “I’m here to support the other agents. I’m just surveillance. We… we’re here to gather enough evidence to prove that you’re The Serpent.” And that Virgil and Remus are The Viper and The Rattler.

Janus’s eyes narrowed slightly. With a quiet sigh, he rose to his feet, his movements measured as he walked a few steps away. “You may investigate me all you wish. You may even pull information from Virgil and Remus.” He turned back abruptly, resting one hand on the armrest of Patton’s couch as he leaned in close, his voice dropping to a dangerous edge. “But let me make one thing abundantly clear: they are not to be convicted of anything. They’re pawns, nothing more. If anything happens to either of them…” His golden eyes glinted sharply. “I will not stop my men from taking matters into their own hands. And I promise, I won’t lift a finger to hold them back.”

Patton’s breath hitched, his gaze darting up to meet Janus’s. “But… you promised you wouldn’t hurt them.” His brows knitted together in distress. “You can’t just break a promise like that.”

Janus straightened, brushing invisible dust from his gloves. “I promised that I wouldn’t harm them myself, and I intend to keep that promise. My men, however, are not bound by the same vow.” His tone softened slightly as he glanced at Patton. “But you… nothing will happen to you. I’ll make sure of that.”

He stepped back, giving Patton space as his gaze grew calculating. “If you need to keep a closer eye on me, then I’ll make arrangements. There’s a spare room at my mansion where you can stay. But… You do not tell a single soul we’re soulmates. Not your agency, not your friends, not my men, no one. We can’t risk it being used against us.”

Patton blinked at him, confusion and hesitation flickering across his face. “No one?” he repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief. “But—”

“You’re just someone I took an interest in.” Janus interrupted, his tone firm but oddly gentle. “Trust me, Patton. It will be safer for both of us this way.”

Patton nodded after a moment. “O-Okay. I think I can do that.”

“Good.” Janus reached into his suit jacket and retrieved a small black card, holding it out to Patton. “In case you decide to take me up on my offer to stay with me.”

Patton took the card, his fingers brushing against the smooth surface as he scanned the elegant lettering. His thumb traced over the embossed serpent emblem in the corner. 

“Well I have appearances to make,” Janus said, straightening his jacket as he moved toward the door. He paused just before stepping out, glancing back over his shoulder. “I’ll be downstairs if you need me.” His lips curled into a hint of a smile before he disappeared through the doorway. Or in your head as long as you stay close enough.

“Thanks,” Patton murmured, keeping his gaze fixed on the card as the door clicked shut behind Janus.

Silence filled the room, save for the faint hum and distant chatter and music still coming from downstairs. Patton sank deeper into the couch, the weight of the card pressing against his palm like a tangible reminder of everything that had just transpired.

If Janus was his soulmate, did that make Patton a bad person? Out of billions of people, why had fate tied him to someone like Janus? There had to be a reason for it—some grand design behind why their paths had intertwined. But as he sat there, the questions churned in his mind.

Was he doing something wrong?

Patton rested his head against the back of the couch, his gaze fixed on the card in his hand. His thumb brushed over the serpent emblem again as his thoughts spiraled.

Why us?

[kiaaraagarwal]

A Quick Guide to Choosing the Right Travel Agency

Like any other service provider, it is hard to rely on a travel agency you haven’t experienced yet. Let the Shuru app help you.

Have a travel plan? Well, then you must also have a travel agency in your mind. Finding the best travel agency in Bangalore is no rocket science. All that matters is how much expertise it has and what can it offer to elevate your traveling experience. Just so you know, a professional tour operator can offer many amazing perks. 

What Benefits Can I Get by Hiring a Travel Agency Near Me?

Partnering with an experienced travel agency near me can prove to be valuable.

Expertise of Tour Operators

I can access their expertise in making travel plans. Since they possess in-depth knowledge of different destinations, they can guide me about their famous attractions. They can even guide me on what leisure activities I and my family can opt for. 

Tailor-Made Tour Packages

Another benefit of hiring a tour operator is that they are super in making personalized tour plans based on our preferences. I’m an adventure seeker who loves to do something out of the box. Now, imagine if I hire a travel agency in Hyderabad that has popular packages of road trips to Bangalore. I can get a custom-made plan for me, that will include adventure visits, tracking, activities, and other sightseeing in the itinerary. 

Save Time, Cost, & Efforts

A lot of time, effort, and cost is saved when we partner with a travel agency. They have connections with airports, hotels, and travel agencies in other cities. I may spend much time but still not find a budget-friendly tour package by myself. However, I can get it with the help of a tour operator. 

How can I Choose the Right Travel Agency?

While choosing the right travel agency near me, I have to keep the following factors in mind. 

Experience of the tour operator

This is the major factor in making a choice. An experienced travel agency in Bangalore is more likely to offer you a better experience, more promising plans, and customized packages at the best industry rates.

Are they Licensed or Certified?

For them to be able to practice, they must be a licensed travel agency. Always partner with a travel agency that is certified by travel associations and meets industry standards. Check for their accreditations before hiring them.

What Services do they offer?

Knowing their range of services is crucial. This will let me know about the types of travel plans they offer - adventurous, tracking, budget, or luxury.

What’s their Reputation in the Market? 

Whether the agency is old or new, we must be aware of its reputation in the market. Check for customer testimonials, Google reviews, and ratings of the tour operator before hiring one. 

Do they provide after-tour services?

Sense, if the agency is capable or willing to help solve your queries regarding the trips, tour packages, hotel accommodations, and other components.    Once you have the complete data with you, compare the shortlisted agencies to finally choose one. But where will you find these tour operators? I suggest you visit the Shuru app. This platform will help you find the best travel agency in Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and other metro cities. Download the app today.