#I probably should get one soon

[nazmazh]

Please appreciate the powerful bedhead energy I had upon waking up today

[xxplastic-cubexx]

give me some whiskey and ill draw The Most Thing i can come up with

bonus:

[deoidesign]

I animated a trailer for my webcomic and it took forever

Please look!

[dragonroar64]

hey do y'all think pvp evbo doesn't really think of himself as a person anymore. do y'all think he's rationalized this to himself by thinking that surely no one would kill a person dozens if not hundreds of times, so that must make him something that isn't a person. do you think he has to be reminded that actually he is a person and what happened to him on the iron sword level was fucked up and wrong

how long do you think this took for other people to realize. who do you think figured it out first. I think it would be so fun(read:horrible and angsty) if it were the guard friend(who I'll call Raymond for convenience). Like Evbo falls off the ladder in his house or something and takes the trip back down as an excuse to talk to Raymond and somehow Raymond goes "yeah, well, I don't really like people" and Evbo goes "oh well I'm not a person so that's fine lol". like he would not take this seriously he'd just joke about it and only realize how horrible a thought that is after Raymond establishes that it's really fucked up

bonus points for if Raymond has to get the diamond swords to back him up in order for Evbo to believe that maybe this isn't the healthiest thing to be thinking :)

[slymanner]

Look all I'm saying is if that a shadow game can work THAT well and be so well designed story wise and gameplay wise

HE can work

[pallanophblargh]

Color! Composition still wonky, but this was done mainly to see how I liked the colors and such. I can reposition and resize birds/leaves/etc another time. And get a decent proper hexagon drawn up.

This has been an exercise in not letting perfection hold me back. I have to start getting back into art somehow, right?

[bumblingbabooshka]

I hate when Chakotay is watered down to be Janeway's yes man because their disagreements are actually very interesting. [A lot of rambling analysis of this debate in particular below]

Chakotay in Parallax is very interesting in that he has to navigate a lot of different dynamics. Balance a lot of plates while being watched keenly by everyone around him. Immediately preceding this scene we see him ask B'Elanna for her opinion on the bridge - both as a chance to show her knowledge in his bid to make her chief engineer (because she wouldn't get a chance to otherwise as Janeway has clearly indicated that at this point she views B'Elanna as a troublemaker who won't be considered for the position) and because he just thinks she's a better engineer than Carey and wants the best possible chance of them succeeding. Janeway sees this as unacceptable. Carey is the chief engineer and so he should be called and Chakotay NOT asking for his opinion is an insult to Carey, Janeway, and might make the crew doubt Chakotay (and by extension the Maquis') loyalty to the Starfleet crew.

At this point it seems that to Janeway integration ["They're not your people"] means the path of least resistance, specifically tailored towards the Starfleet crew. She wants Chakotay by her side to keep the Maquis crew calm but also seems unwilling to consider them for important positions aboard the ship. Though she says that the Maquis are not Chakotay's people, not his crew, she certainly doesn't seem to consider them hers [Compare this to later instances where she stresses 'our' crew, here she simply says they aren't Chakotay's: Whose crew are they? Are they crew at all?]. This less leaves the impression of "We need to be a cohesive team" and more "You're not in charge here." She essentially accuses Chakotay of playing favorites. In her mind Chakotay's actions are not conducive to integrating the crews which would (again, in her mind) mean the Maquis being docile and accepting, obedient and content - not making trouble for the Starfleet crew. Chakotay counters Janeway's accusation with one of his own: That he IS trying to integrate them into the crew but her not allowing the Maquis any opportunity to prove themselves or succeed, not showing any trust in any of them (except, implicitly at this point, him) is making things difficult. At this point the Maquis crew are ready to mutiny on his word at any time. He knows this for a fact. Aside from that looming threat (the threat being that tensions are high and if nothing changes and they remain high there might be a mutiny even without his word) - Chakotay knows these people and trusts them. Though Starfleet and Janeway think of the Maquis as a violent bunch of criminal terrorists, Chakotay and a good number of the Maquis joined because they believed in the cause they were fighting for. These are people Chakotay knows WILL fight fiercely for what they believe in and conversely, AGAINST what they perceive as injustice. Even if they're not in the majority - they're used to picking fights which seem impossible to win. At this point Janeway admits that she ISN'T making it easy for Chakotay to integrate the Maquis - specifically talking about practical concerns; how she doesn't feel she can let Maquis crew have roles of importance on the ship because they lack the ability to hold them. "They don't have the discipline, they don't have the training," - asserting that they just aren't prepared for any such roles and it doesn't have to do with them being Maquis specifically. Ostensibly, she's treating them as she might treat anyone unqualified for the job.

Chakotay maintains that some of them, like B'Elanna, have the ability to be trained - challenging her point by saying that IF they're trained there's no reason for any Maquis member NOT to be given a more prominent role on the ship. He isn't suggesting they just unqualified people important jobs. If the problem is that they aren't trained, let's train them. These people have the ability to succeed if you give them the tools they need and a fair chance, he insists. Janeway then switches gears and her argument becomes not "The Maquis are untrained so they can't be given those jobs" but "The Maquis crew are unworthy of those jobs when compared to Starfleet personnel" saying that it'll cause insult and upset among the Starfleet crew if any member of the Maquis were to be promoted above them. Again, her idea of integration is based more on Maquis subservience to the Starfleet crew than it is the two crews working together. (Not that I believe she looks at it that way, it's just where her 'path of least resistance' leads) - though she accuses Chakotay of being too focused on "his" crew, she is admitting here that she believes her real crew are the Starfleet officers aboard, not the Maquis. She also admits here that the system she wishes to maintain (and is asking Chakotay to enforce) is one where there will ostensibly never be any chance of a Maquis crew member being promoted because no Maquis crew member will ever be more qualified, more worthy, than a member of Starfleet. We can see how it'd be difficult for Chakotay to convince his crew to remain calm under these circumstances. There's also Tuvok's behavior toward him at the beginning of the episode where the Vulcan nearly goes over Chakotay's head and when he doesn't do so (as Chakotay reminds him that HE'S the superior officer, the First Officer in fact,) Tuvok acts as if him backing down (partially) and conceding (partially) to Chakotay's authority is a favor to Chakotay.

Tuvok in this conversation is downright insubordinate to Chakotay. Despite Chakotay being the first officer, he doesn't take what he says seriously, argues that his own opinion on what should be done should be followed rather than Chakotay's, lectures the first officer about his conduct, and then almost seems to threaten him with a report. In Starfleet's rigidly hierarchical rules, acting like this to a superior officer (ESPECIALLY the first officer) wouldn't be tolerated and Tuvok knows this perfectly well. He isn't a rebellious character and clearly in other episodes adheres to these Starfleet hierarchies and codes of conduct very strictly. He values them highly. But Chakotay, a Maquis, shouldn't be First Officer. Why should he be given respect for a title he didn't earn? [Affirming Janeway's argument about how Starfleet officers won't be eager to follow a Maquis senior officer] Even though Chakotay tells Tuvok off for it ["I don't have to explain myself to you"] he doesn't threaten to put Tuvok on report or explicitly mention his insubordination. It's unclear if this is Chakotay's personality or if he just doesn't feel he CAN do that. Tuvok is one of the three most senior officers aboard and very close to Janeway. Chakotay has to think of the optics of any situation at all times - we see seconds after this conversation that rumors have already started swirling around B'Elanna being relegated to quarters that've fanned the flames of mutiny. Though we know Tuvok has personal reasons for behaving the way he does toward Chakotay (which he later admits), I really don't think it'd be out of the ordinary for this to be how most Starfleet personnel would treat the Maquis if they weren't outright hostile: Like they're only pretend crewmen. To a lesser extent we even see this with Janeway: In the following staff meeting, she clearly doesn't consider B'Elanna a viable option when Chakotay brings her up and almost ignores the suggestion entirely.

It also, again, leaves Chakotay in an impossible position. If he doesn't protect and fight for the Maquis crew, they won't ever be considered a true part of the crew and dissatisfaction will likely spread among them. Dissatisfaction which the Starfleet crew will then use to further label the Maquis as insubordinate, uncontrollable, unfit. Not to mention that if he doesn't advocate for them, he might lose their trust. However, if he DOES try to help the Maquis crew advance the Starfleet crew will view this as 'favoritism' and will further distrust him, won't respect the people he puts forth as worthy. Janeway seems to be intent on not advocating for any of the Maquis crew and also seems unwilling to ask that the Starfleet crew grant leniency. She implies that the Maquis crew need to learn to get in line and keep quiet and it seems almost like [we must remember the optics] she has Chakotay as the only Maquis in a position of power to facilitate that. Chakotay recognizes and pushes against that, saying that he won't just be her token Maquis - there only so she can point to him and say "See? We don't discriminate against the Maquis here." effectively a tool used to shut down any arguments of unfair treatment and a tool to quell the Maquis if any talk of mutiny DOES arise. In this model, Janeway can just tell Chakotay to calm them down and they'll listen because they trust him. She also doesn't have to really listen to anything he says: A token First Officer has no authority; his words don't hold weight. [Chakotay isn't Maquis anymore, they aren't his crew anymore - ok. What is he then? What are they? Nothing, without respect.] This plan seems untenable, as much as Janeway frames it as sensible: "I can't make it easy, Commander. Surely you can understand that," and alternatives as impossible "How am I supposed to ask them to accept a Maquis as their superior officer just because circumstances have forced us together?" - in the long run, how would this be sustainable? In any power structure, you cannot expect a group of people you're unwilling to grant trust or agency to obediently follow you forever. This proposed form of 'integration' in which the Maquis are kept on the bottom rung and told intermittently to stay there quietly by the only one of them granted permission to stand at the top would never be sustainable - especially with a group like the Maquis who again, were founded on the belief that its members should fight against inequity and are already on the verge of mutiny.

I specifically find the statement "How am I supposed to ask them to accept a Maquis as their superior officer just because circumstances have forced us together?" to be interesting because personally I'd say that being forced together for the rest of almost everyone's natural life is a pretty good reason to ask people to adapt and Janeway does understand this but only applies it to the Maquis - the Maquis are the ones who have to adapt, not Starfleet. The only thing the Starfleet crew have to do is tolerate their presence on board.

At this point Janeway again claims that if Chakotay can show her a 'qualified' Maquis candidate she'll consider them. I believe this is true but we already know that Janeway's standards for qualification will likely not fit the vast majority of the Maquis and Chakotay ignores the claim in favor of putting forth B'Elanna again, firmly. Janeway predictably dismisses her as unqualified and Chakotay disagrees, arguing that he knows her. He's worked with her. He KNOWS that B'Elanna can excel at the job even if she doesn't meet Starfleet/Janeway's qualifications. He doesn't value those qualifications over what he's observed about her - just as he didn't value Carey's title over what he knew about the gap between his and B'Elanna's abilities. Then, Chakotay switches gears. He admits that Janeway's right - he does view the Maquis as his crew but that's because Janeway (almost self admittingly) doesn't and if he doesn't, who will they have? [What kind of captain, kind of man, would he be?] "You're going to have to give them more authority if you want their loyalty." "Theirs or yours, Commander?" Janeway frames Chakotay's words pointing out the flaws in this plan which I outlined earlier, as almost a threat (if she doesn't have Chakotay's loyalty it'll most definitely mean mutiny). Chakotay asserts that it wasn't a threat, he's only trying to help by telling her how the Maquis crew will react to what she's telling him. "I'm sorry you can't see that" - not an apology for what he said but that she isn't willing to budge, not willing to listen to him and acknowledge that she might be as biased towards her crew as he is towards his. Chakotay is trying his best to acclimate his crew but if Janeway isn't willing to do the same, to talk to her people as he's talking to his, then this will not end well and that isn't a threat. It's just the reality of the situation. He then asks permission to leave, showing he is willing to observe Starfleet protocol (just as when he asked permission to speak freely), and Janeway lets him go, exhaling at the intensity of their debate when alone in her ready room.

[starlight-eclipsed]

“I’m here to ruin whatever stupid quest you have your heroes on. So don’t bother with the tricks, your holiness. Just kill me and be done with it.”

Top ten activities to do when waking up after a near death experience: number 3 might surprise you! (Brought to you by the fic A Dark Among the Lights by LuckyLectio on AO3.

[kindlythevoid]

(FotR, pg. 42)

(FotR, pg. 74)

Guys Guys Guys Guys I know I know I KNOW we talk about Frodo and Sam's bond. Which is valid. Totally valid, I do it myself on occasion.

BUT.

BUT.

FRODO AND MERRY!!!!

FRODO PROBABLY GREW UP WITH MERRY!!! (I did the math cuz I'm a nerd) Merry was 7 when Frodo left to go live with Bilbo, but Frodo spent 9 years in Buckland!! He was there when Merry was born!! Merry hasn't known life without Frodo!!! Yes, Frodo was 21 when he left but he was in his "tweens" and probably still had to hang out with the younger kids aka MERRY!!!

Just. Look at them!! Frodo was a Respectable Gentlehobbit and Merry was one of those weird Brandybucks but they were both Adults and Frodo trusted Merry to find him a suitable house that he would supposedly retire in and Frodo didn't know that Merry knew that Frodo was leaving!! He just trusted Merry to get all the accounts settled and to find him a cute little house and he does!!! Merry does!!! He helps him find a house, he goes with the furniture to set it all up for Frodo when he gets there!! He even helps monitor everything that's being given away after Bilbo leaves and Frodo needs a moment!!

It's just. We're not even 100 pages in, they haven't left the Shire, but it's so blindingly obvious that Frodo trusts Merry and Merry looks out for Frodo, even though there's a 14 year age gap between them. They're friends, best friends, look at that first bit I put up there, they're joking around after Lobelia insulted Frodo and it's so natural, such a great little moment.

It's so. It's so obvious, right from the very beginning, like, of course Merry follows Frodo out of the Shire. It's not because Frodo's All That or anything, it's just that they're best friends and Merry cares for him and he wants to make sure he'll be alright. And I love that about Merry, I think it's a great character trait of his that you see again with Pippin. He loves them, so he follows them, even and especially into the unknown, but when it's their time to leave, to move on, he let's them. He keeps on loving them and trusting them, except this time it's trusting that they'll come back. And hoping that letting them know that they are loved will help them return.

[hooved]

anyone have any recommendations for good boots OR sneakers that are: - black - platform (2-3 inches) - sturdy rubber soles that are actually comfortable to walk in - no longer than ankle boots (so they don't cover up my fun socks) - come in larger sizes if they happen to be womens shoes - don't have a bunch of straps and buckles on them (not into it for myself personally) - AREN'T $600 (preferably more around $100 or less) (if possible...) EDIT: i should probably also specify that i want shoes that look CHUNKY. think like buffalo kinda shoes

[professoruber]

Gotham Academy (2014-2016) #13

Was reading Robin War and was reminded of how it crossed over with Gotham Academy, and how Olive just straight up snitched on Riko to the cops.

To be honest, I kinda feel like (not counting the stuff under the influence of Calamity) that this was probably one of the most sucky things Olive ever did. Even when I first read this issue, I do recall thinking it was a bit of an asshole move from Olive.

My one criticism of Gotham Academy (a series i really love) is that I feel Maps should've maybe been a bit more upset about this and taken longer to get over it. Just saying. Since it seems resolved by #14.

(Unless it did get brought up again and I forgot)

[rinhaler]

finding it very difficult to unlearn the fact that you don’t have to rush to create things in its height of popularity and you can make things whenever you want

[stellewriites]

wip wednesday

have a snippet from already spoken for (trans! john wedding date au)

context: johns received an invite to his ex wife's wedding and has given kate a bell to chat about time off

"If I go alone I can always lie about a new partner or someone I'm seein'; it's not unbelievable that she'd be too busy with work to get the time off to come with me. The benefit of the doubt goes away if I bring you or, God forbid, bloody Simon."

Kate snorted down the phone.

"They won't believe you," she said. "One look at your face when you see her and they'll know."

John stayed quiet for a moment. "Maybe."

"Want my advice?"

"Not in this case, no."

"Don't go, John. You'll only hurt yourself and potentially ruin her day. It's selfish," she said plainly.

"Don't pull your fucking punches, Kate."

"It was selfish of her to invite you," she clarified. "But it's selfish of you to go too. We both know how you want this reunion to end and it's not in her fiance's favour."

"This might be the last time I ever see her," John said softly. "I have to go. I want to."

Kate sighed. "You've got the time off, there's nothing stopping you."

bits and pieces of this might be my wip wednesday for the next few weeks while i finish it off!

[e-adlirez]

Spoilers for Sinsmas/Sinsmas ramble

So I had Sinsmas paused on my browser to do life stuff as usual, I Will Be Okay was in my head, and I walked back to my computer after life stuff and realized the frame I had it paused on was

D

Do you see what I'm seeing

Their positions aren't just similar, they're reversed. In "I Will Be Okay", Via is on the floor and Stolas's shadow is standing up, looking down on her and reaching a hand to her from above, which she swats away. At the end of Sinsmas, Stolas is kneeling on the floor, with Via looking down at him from above, and her hand resting on Stolas's, which she pulls away from.

AND THE PARALLELS AND REVERSALS DON'T END THERE

From what I could see, it seems like there's only one instance where the parallel doesn't totally apply.

This.

Merry Sinsmas, Helluva Boss fandom :D

:'D

[popiplant]

finally finished this mf GOD IM NEVER DOING THIS AGAIN

[not-poignant]

Do you have a favorite character evolution or relationship evolution that you’ve written? Personally, the way Augus becomes soft for Mosk in The Ice Plague really tickles me.

Oh hmmm, this is such an awesome question! But also really hard to answer.

I think I have more than one. But the one that weirdly comes to mind is Sharpwood in The Golden Age that Never Was. I've been kind of obsessed with his character ever since and I feel like I'm 'saving' him for an original novel somewhere along the way. Something about him going from like, a cold, distant servant, to what he became, until finally at the end you realise you really want to get to know him better and it's too late... I don't know. I think often about writing a side story of his trauma recovery, but I don't have like...spare time to do it in. Alas.

In terms of the main characters, like the point-of-view characters, Gwyn's and Augus' journey was compelling enough that I followed them for nearly a decade in a single universe. And I feel like that's the most obvious answer because it's like 'well, I spent tens of thousands of hours on them because they were my favourite evolution / relationship evolution.'

In terms of less obvious characters... I actually really loved writing Mosk becoming protective of Gwyn in The Ice Plague and then becoming kind of like a mentor figure almost to him, despite his age and lack of experience.

I loved, loved, loved writing the slow tentative growth of connection between the prickly Gwyn ap Nudd and equally prickle Raven Prince in The Ice Plague as well.

Right now, I'm a big fan of Efnisien and Faber, and Efnisien and Flitmouse too. :D