#I think there was also a Spirit who was interested

[bonesaints]

addendum: falon'din being depicted in close association with june from origins to veilguard is very interesting and i sure wish we'd gotten an actual explanation as to why! (tamlen could always be wrong and this could be dirthamen, incidentally, but i'm inclined to believe him. admittedly, falon'din and dirthamen's imagery is both a little inconsistent.)

anyways. i spent ages datamining, poring through codexes, artbooks, and other official sources. so here's my interpetation of what's going on and my effort to clear up some common misconceptions, as reinforced with actual evidence:

to start, bellara's archdemon-evanuris association appears to be correct, june's datamined symbol is also consistent with urthemiel's symbol from origins, so it's safe to infer that the other symbols that i spent ages datamining and researching (see above) are probably correct as well. seeing people state that june's symbol "is a retcon" is incorrect, sorry. if it helps, june's symbol is also stated to have changed over time. incidentally, the exact same thing is said about the murky understanding of his role and associations as a deity, too. this is further corroborated by his symbol having literal multiple versions (see above), so i don't think there's much room for argument about that being june's symbol. it's his, yall.

from what i've been able to piece together from codexes, all the evanuris except for ghilan'nain is most likely a manifested elf, there's a reason the lore repeatedly places emphasis on citing her as "a mortal elf" in a manner that paints her as being distinct in comparison to the others, which indicates that she was most likely a physically born elf, perhaps of the first generation of elves be physically born. she was also the last to become a god and is the youngest of the pantheon. even the datamined character descriptions back this up. the confusion stems from the fact that the word "mortal" is thrown around willy-nilly in regards to spirits and the evanuris and is pretty clearly used in different contexts with different meanings. the ancient elves were quasi-immortals who did not die (or age the same way humans do) unless killed; thus, solas calls elgar'nan "mortal" once lusacan dies but what he actually should've said was "you are no longer invulnerable."

we can easily infer that none of the evanuris are biologically related. currently, elgar'nan and mythal were the only confirmed couple. june and sylaise are simply stated as "most likely having worked together" and they seem to have been pretty close friends at the very least, because sylaise builds something for june as a gift. elgar'nan calls ghilan'nain "sister" for a reason; it's meant moreso as "sister-in-godhood." falon'din and dirthamen most likely manifested and one is specifically stated to be either half or a fragment of the other. repeated instances of falon'din being associated with june since origins bear worth mentioning, though we know nothing about their relationship. given that we know that sylaise and ghilan'nain are specifically cited as being elevated to the gods for their respective talents, the evanuris were pretty clearly a meritocracy.

also, dalish legends not being entirely correct around the gods' relationships isn't a retcon in and of itself, since we know that myths are often re-interpreted and misremembered, because misremembering your own mythology is a natural consequence of having your culture genocided out of existence and erased! like all sources that pertain to historical events, dalish myths contain hints of truth but also aren't completely 100% historically accurate. even the chant of light contains some grains of historical accuracy (especially regarding the actions of the magisters) but is also incorrect about the origins of the black/golden city.

the issue here is that the dalish are always framed as stupid or wrong for daring to have a polytheistic pantheon full of gods that are dubious of character who participate in actions that are really no different than the morally abhorrent actions taken by other polytheistic pantheons in rl history (the greek pantheon) and even the abrahamic god at the end of the day. the issue is that this polytheistic pantheon is routinely demonized by the narrative and not portrayed with nearly enough nuance, and the writers responsible for doing this are white. the evanuris did both good and evil things. our understanding of them is sadly quite limited due to solas's extremely biased perspective and the devs' racism. if you can understand the greek gods as still being gods despite their morally abhorrent actions, then i think the same understanding should apply to the evanuris.

evanuris imagery masterpost including datamined content, artbook content, and my own theories on what each symbol might be.

[vividdreamer]

For a character with so much depth, Lae'zel sure is criminally underrated both in fandom spaces and in-game. I feel like if bg3 had to have one playable character only, Lae'zel would be GROUNDBREAKING — and I know that's an unpopular opinion. But her story could end in so many ways, each challenging your beliefs and leaving you with profound questions about yourself and the world.

Lae'zel wants to care about people but her compassion was beat out of her as a part of her training. Her life was all "kill or be killed" and despite talking about her "kin" with respect and idolation, they're the same people who would have killed her as a child — if she couldn't get to them first. She doesn't have a real family; she never speaks of any best friends, siblings or parental figures. But despite the fact that her life is so void of any warmth, safety, or comfort, she believes it'll be worth it in the end when Vlakith ascends her. That shit feels oddly relatable to me, someone who was raised in an abusive religious environment.

She could continue her death march on the path she was born into, ending her story as a complete tragedy and a gut-twisting lesson: No, actually, there is no point to sufferring. There is no promised good to come after it. No reward for having a "heart of stone," as she puts it. You only lose. Because the thing about powerful beings like Vlakith is that... why would they care about you? How do you think they came to be so powerful in the first place? By being charitable? Ha. You can't have power over people, and remain benevolent and honest at the same time. People won't immediately bend over backwards for you if you aren't at least lying, manipulating, or cheating them in the bargains that you make.

In this case, Vlakith is a lich. She's not interested in giving. She can't become a god without taking her power from somewhere or something. That's the paradox of gods. They have to take, not give, to sustain themselves. Even when they do offer "blessings," it comes in exchange for something that benefits them as a net gain. In the long run, you will lose far more than you gain.

However, Lae'zel's story can also be one of hope — when it doesn't end with her soul consumed. Through small, consistent choices, she can break down the walls obstructing her from vulnerability, compassion, and self-identity. She can choose courage over faith, and question the ways and behaviors she had to take up in order to survive. It's so depressing trying to come to terms with the idea that you might have been cheated your whole life. I wish this theme was explored more in the game. Lae'zel retreating into her tent, withering away in spirit and health as she wonders what her childhood could have been if the circumstances of her birth were any different. Until, one morning, she walks out and goes back to sharpening her sword.

It would be beautiful, moving, and tearful to see it in action! But even with what we've got in the game as it is, you see her gradually start to sympathize for her camp companions as they challenge their own ordeals. She says it pains her to see Shadowheart suffer Shar's wrath after refusing to kill Aylin. She is proud of Astarion for killing Cazador.

And there are so many other moments like that where her inner compassion slips through the cracks, and I think in those moments you see the real Lae'zel. The Lae'zel when she's choosing her own path, taking back her agency, and molding her own identity. A story that could end with her rejecting both Vlakith and Orpheus, because (and she says it herself) her destiny is hers to decide. It's a bittersweet beginning to the rest of her days.

[fallenclan]

as promised, here is my deputy contender list! i based my choices off of character traits, character actions (in moon updates, and fallenlore), and also age. there were a lot of characters who i think would be great pics, however they were very similar in age to flamefall and it would be redundant for them to succeed him only to retire the next moon. i will also be including a ✨ next to cats i am particularly wanting for the position. this is also, of course, just for speculation! there's no guarantee any of these cats will be chosen.

✨SOOTSTEP: sootstep is the oldest of the contenders at 89 moons, however i am still including her because i think she'd be a really good deputy. i imagine she was a bit more aloof in her apprentice and young warrior days, but she's mellowed out as she's gotten older. cats tend to enjoy being around her, as she's like a laid-back aunt type. she has the good speaker and beloved kitsitter traits which make me think she's very good with other cats. this probably has something to do with quailcall's influence, however i think sootstep is generally less blunt than her mother nowadays. i also like the idea of her nervous husband (who i guess managed to fall down a mountain.. he seems very clumsy) being super supportive of her. she was also ambitious in her apprentice days! she went from ambitious -> loyal, so i imagine her priorities are the clan and her family, however there's definitely a piece of her that desires to support her clan AS deputy.

MARSHJUMP or BEARSPRING: i'm including them together, but i don't have a ton to say about them individually. i don't think marshjump would want to be deputy, but he would be capable of stepping into the role. bearspring, i believe, really wants to "prove" herself, especially after supporting ravenstar for so long. she's also incredibly clever, which works well for a deputy.

HONEYSONG: i saw this take on the discord a few times, however i personally believe honeysong has ZERO interest in being deputy. i think she'd probably decline if wolfstar asked her. also, i think it's really cute that she's got the good storyteller trait now...also went from ghost sense to ghost sight, so i think now that her powers have (unexpectedly) returned, she might become even more attuned to the spirit realm.

TANGLETAIL: she's lost a lot recently, and as a result was last seen lashing out. i'm not sure she'd be a great deputy, however i think it would be interesting plot-wise.

GIZMO or VOX: grouping them together because the likelihood is very low for both of them imo, however i think they'd both be decent picks. i think vox has a lot of compassion, and his trait being wise is also a plus. i think he probably had to grow up too soon, especially raising a kit at such a young age. i think this maturity and kindness would make him a good deputy. however, i'm not sure how he'd respond to outside threats to the clan, such as rogues or shallowclan. i think vox would want to tread a more peaceful path. i think being deputy would also give him the experience needed to lead, even if he was hesitant at first. gizmo i don't really have much to say about. it's a silly dude. strict, apparently. would make a decent deputy but i feel like i haven't really gotten a good read on what gizmo's personality is, so i'm not sure.

CLIFFBERRY: i think cliffberry was a much more light-hearted apprentice/young warrior, but has become more serious and reserved as he's aged. i think inkynose's death probably hit him pretty hard. being ambitious, i believe he'd want to be deputy, and as a great mediator i think he'd be good at navigating conflicts within the clan.

PALEDAWN: she's spunky and charismatic! i think she'd make a charming and well-liked deputy, and it would be fun to have a medcat & deputy sibling duo. i think she's a bit more of a carefree and chaotic type, but i think she'd maybe grow into the role of deputy. she'd act light-hearted, but i think she'd take her newfound responsibility pretty seriously, especially when it comes down to a conflict scenario. she and cliffberry were flirting at one point and had a mutual crush as apprentices. not sure if they're still friends, but i think it would be interesting if they were, and this scenario occured--cliffberry really wants to be deputy, whlie paledawn is supportive of him. then, suddenly, paledawn is chosen instead. she rises to the challenge, but how does she manage with cliffberry's bitterness? i think he'd try to be happy for her and support her, but he'd definitely have a bit of resentment as well.

✨✨FROZENFOG: my girl. her trait used to be cold, and while i don't think she was ever cruel, i think she definitely was (and still is) very reserved. i think tinybird was more outwardly harsh towards others, probably. the deaths of her brothers hit her very hard, and now her parents are gone too. i think after losing so many cats, frozenfog has thrown herself into her duties. now having the righteous trait, i think she'd be very determined to do look out for fallenclan's interests and her clanmates. she'd definitely be a more serious deputy, but i think she's starting to become more open to having friends with batspring and ryewhistle hanging around her. she'd be a good cat for others to come to with concerns, as she understands loss and responsibility quite well. she was also wolfstar's apprentice, which is cool.

✨RYEWHISTLE: gotta include the prophet. she's confident, so i think she at least believes she has a good shot at deputyship. i think ryewhistle is a bit arrogant but not in any way mean. she's very supportive of her clanmates and easily excitable. i mean, she was literally scarred saving sunnytuft from a hawk. i don't think she's selfish, despite her ego. it would also be really cool to have a leader & deputy sibling duo (would it be nepotism if FLAMEFALL was the one who picked ryewhistle as his successor?). i think if ryewhistle ever became ryestar, she'd pick frozenfog as her first deputy, and vice versa.

BLUESTORM: again, i like the leader & deputy sibling duo thing, especially if the leader didn't like. choose their sibling just because they're their sibling, y'know? i don't know if bluestorm would want to be deputy as much as ryewhistle, but he'd definitely rise to the occasion if chosen.

SNOWBELLY or HARESWIPE: ospreyfeather kits. need i say more?

ROOKFEATHER: another cat i believe definitely has the ambition to be deputy. having the daring trait, i imagine her as a bit reckless at times, especially when trying to impress others. her warrior ceremony was essentially ruined by the ravenstar drama, and i think being "overshadowed" by what was probably pretty traumatizing to watch (leader chokes up four of his lives, then is brutally murdered) has left her a bit frustrated. she wants to be remembered, but not as the poor apprentice whose ceremony got ruined. i think gentledawn's death also affected her pretty heavily, but she doesn't like to talk about or acknowledge that she's sad. another case for the medcat & deputy sibling duo, also. i think iceflower would be a bit concerned about rookfeather's capabilities as deputy due to her rashness, although he'd try to be supportive. i think if iceflower gently tried to tell rookfeather she might not be ready for such responsibility, she'd react negatively, which could create some drama.

GREENBERRY: she's sneaky and incredibly clairvoyant. i mean, come on. also, as revealed by beetle, greenberry has some pretty big ambitions. she definitely has the desire to be deputy. also, in a reset moon, thornwish apparently murdered wolfstar, which i found both bizarre and hilarious (in that it's so random). if i had to make up a reason, maybe so that greenberry could be deputy? he's also vengeful -> insecure, which leaves questions. anyway, i just think the incredibly clairvoyant + valuable insight (no shit) combo is rad.

MINNOWFIN: she's cool. i'd also include GRAYCLOUD, but i think she wouldn't have the desire to be deputy, at least not yet. she'd be super excited and happy for minnowfin, but would probably be uncertain about being chosen herself, despite being responsible (i think she probably has a lot of leftover guilt and self image issues after being the only survivor of her patrol). minnowfin is a skilled mediator and has natural intuition, which makes me believe she's very good at navigating interpersonal relationships and solving conflicts, which is good for a deputy.

PIGEONTOOTH: i don't think he'd want to be deputy, at least not where he currently is in life. however, i'm including him because he's compassionate, a good mediator, and a good storyteller, which makes me think he'd be a really kind and empathetic deputy. he'd be really good at making cats feel understood and supported.

✨JAYSTRIPE: yeah, it was a given that i'd add jaystripe to this list. i mean, come on. she's bold and has a dark forest bond. i imagine jaystripe has warring feelings, wanting to step out of her father's shadow but also wanting to become greater than him, to do better, to lead fallenclan somewhere good as opposed to plunging it into war and chaos. so what if she sometimes listens to his whispered advice? he was a clan leader, after all. he made some bad decisions, but he made good ones, too, surely, or else why would he have been made deputy and then leader...? smiles evilly. i think jaystripe would have a lot of conflicted emotions, but she'd be very determined to be a good deputy. i think a lot of cats would probably side-eye her and whisper nervously about ravenstar, which would make her even more determined to prove herself to be different, better. i imagine she's pretty laid back generally, definitely a brooder and occasionally a glares-into-the-distance sort, however i think she's got her emotions pretty well-wrapped, however i like the idea of a clanmate blatantly suggesting jaystripe is a little too similar to the young prodigy ravenstar which leads her to blowing up, shocking everyone and "confirming" their fears about her. she just. has a lot of plot potential. also, would you look at that, she's just gotten an apprentice! :)

DAISYFRECKLE: she'd make an energetic and eager deputy, but she'd probably be a bit reckless and irresponsible, imo.

BUZZARDCRY: he's currently lost, but he might not be lost forever. i just like buzzardcry, and think he'd be a good deputy. not much else to say here honestly.

CANARYWISH: i don't think she'd want to be deputy particularly, and she is also lost at the moment, however i think it'd be interesting to see her step into the role. i think she's very similar to grandma mossfrog, in that she's clever and skilled, but also horribly lonely at heart. i think she'd probably end up relinquishing her role as deputy and returning to warriorhood. or, even better, becoming a medicine cat. i think it's a bummer that clangen doesn't have the option for warriors to chose to become medicine cats, which is a lifegen event i find delightful. i think it would make a lot of sense for canarywish to want to be a medicine cat, given her history. i think she'd find a sort of peace in the medicine den, surrounded by the "medicine family," if you will. i think she'd get along really well with craneclaw, actually.

cats i would have added if not for their age being similar or older than flamefall: moorthistle, blossomfur, jumbletooth, frecklefox, hazelthorn, and maybe if we're feeling generous, sleepydawn (the greaser).

-🐉

YESSSS FUCK YEAH!!! i love your reasonings.... lots of cats on here that are on my own list!! though in the end the biggest factor is when Flamefall retires. I think he could Technically retire any day now, or he might wait until he's 150. i suppose we shall see! i've got some older and some younger picks, tho i'm leaning younger since wolfstar is getting up there... and of course i have to keep in mind who Flamefall himself would pick, since he'll be the first deputy choosing in a while! much to think about

[seb-boo]

#Race4Women Interview with F1 [2025-04-17] featuring: Sebastian Vettel, Laura Winter, Dania Akeel, Oliver Oakes, & Lina Hammadeh ↴

On a scorching Wednesday afternoon, the sun’s rays are beaming down over a karting track north of Jeddah. Friends, family and motorsport enthusiasts have gathered to watch 20 young women race around the twisty circuit – aptly named The Track – but there is one further addition to the driving line-up, and he’s a four-time F1 World Champion.

Sebastian Vettel is on a mission at this Saudi Arabian karting track. The former Red Bull, Ferrari and Aston Martin great is hosting his Race4Women [Challenge Me] event in a bid to further develop grassroots karting in the country, and by teaching these 20 young women the principles of racing, fitness and motorsport theory.

In the days leading up to the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, also hosted in Jeddah, it’s the perfect place to showcase to these women that a potential career in motorsport is very much a possibility should they want it to be. And, let’s face it, as karting tutors go you could do a lot worse than a man who has four F1 Drivers’ titles to his name.

“We had great feedback last time,” Vettel tells me, reflecting on the initial karting event he hosted at this track back in 2021. “The handful of girls and women we were able to get together – it was a great group and a great spirit last time.

“But so much has happened. We’ve been in touch and stayed in touch with the track here, people who have supported us already the first time round. There was the idea to continue, to follow up. This time we had a lot more girls and women taking interest and a much bigger group of 20 young women and girls showing up and having the courage to get behind the wheel.”

Courage is very much the right word to describe this group of assembled racers. It can be a daunting prospect getting into a go-kart, but each of them has exactly the right dose of competitiveness and enthusiasm when the action gets going.

It also speaks of a country that has transformed significantly. As of 2018 women have been allowed to drive and, coupled with a boom in motorsport coinciding with the first Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2021, that has led to more opportunities for this new generation.

“Generally Saudi is opening up and it’s great to see the next generation of girls and women speaking out their dreams, being able and being allowed to do a lot of the things their mothers weren’t able or allowed to do,” Vettel adds.

“There’s a lot of positive change in this country. Last time we celebrated the fact that women were allowed to drive, and I wanted to get an insight. This time there were a lot more topics and it was great to get into the exchange [with the karters] and I think it was a success. We had a blast, had a great time, shared a lot of stories and heard from them about why they’re passionate about racing.”

‘I can’t really believe that just happened!’ (Laura Winter)

The Race4Women event has been held over two days – Tuesday and Wednesday – but I’ve arrived on the second day where the on-track action is soon to be reaching its climax.

The karters have already qualified for two heat races to come later in the afternoon – the top five finishers from each race will then go on to compete in the final.

But a break in the schedule doesn’t stop Vettel from hitting the track again, only this time his student is F1 TV presenter Laura Winter; the crew here to also film a feature about the day.

“I’m still coming back down to earth a little bit – I’m still a bit giddy!” Winter says after a surreal on-track lesson.

“We asked if Seb wouldn’t mind coming out and he was really happy too, which is lovely in itself, and then I suddenly got out on track in a go-kart – suddenly aware of its power, it went a lot quicker than I thought it was going to – and I thought, ‘oh my God, I’m here with four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel, following him in a go-kart, teaching me the lines of a track and how much kerb to take'. I can’t really believe that just happened!”

Listed among one of the “maddest things” she’s done working in F1, Winter’s time on track wasn’t entirely without incident.

“He let me through at one point so he could watch what I was doing,” she says. “I was like, ‘pressure on!’ And that’s when I span, and he was following me and he hit me! So, we had a little collision!”

‘Legitimacy and credibility’ (Dania Akeel)

The energy at The Track is infectious – the joy, the camaraderie and there’s even a DJ to provide the party atmosphere. But it’s not lost as to why Vettel, and this event, are here in the first place.

“Events like this are extremely important for one reason – it is for the ladies or drivers to change their own idea of themselves,” says Dania Akeel, a Saudi Arabian former motorcycle racer who now plies her trade in rally-raid. She, too, is a motorsport pioneer in this country and has come out to support the young women racing.

“If they think they don’t have a chance and they’re just here on the weekend – and it’s quiet and they just love to drive – they feel like they’re only here for that one session and they go back to their ‘real life’. That can be the experience of a lot of people.

“But when you have an event like this, and you have Sebastian Vettel, a four-time Formula 1 World Champion coming to give them advice, that gives a signal to these ladies that they have a chance to do what he has done. That signals to these ladies that they have an opportunity to be a professional, and that they can take things to the next level.

“Events like this, they almost give legitimacy and credibility to the passion that these ladies have for the sport as opposed to it being a weekend hobby that no one knows about, and they run home after.”

As well as giving that legitimacy to their passion for motorsport, Race4Women also gives these karters an invaluable opportunity to take in advice with many queries focused on aspects we can all relate to.

“The questions they ask me, I’ve felt on track and you realise how connected we all are and how similar we all are,” Akeel explains. “At the end of it more than one of the girls told me that they were scared, they’re nervous when it’s race day.

“She’s scared when it’s competition, ‘what if I fail, what if I disappoint myself?’ These questions are universal, they stay with you until I don’t know which age, but you learn how to face yourself, you learn how to manage yourself, you learn how to calm yourself and you learn how to propel forward while having these experiences and emotions.

“I’m trying as much as I can to communicate that clearly to them, what I do as a strategy to help me move forward if and when those feelings do come up. I don’t think they’ve said anything that I couldn’t relate to – and they’re much younger than me.”

‘This is just a safe environment for them to get in and have a go’ (Oliver Oakes)

While the crowd at The Track is predominantly made up of friends and family of the participants, as a competitor you never know who might turn up to watch you showcase your talent. And, sure enough, immersed within the cohort of onlookers is an F1 Team Principal – Alpine boss Oliver Oakes.

“A friend of mine is based in Saudi Arabia – he runs the F4 Championship here – so when he said he was popping along to this I thought it would be cool to see what Sebastian is doing,” he says.

“It’s just brilliant. It’s nice to see everyone have a good time, bonding over karting. I was just saying to someone, I think every driver will admit that karting is the best years of their life. Seeing all these girls racing hard, having banter when they come off track – it’s really good to see.”

He adds: “Obviously motorsport is growing exponentially in the region here, this [the event] is obviously helping to keep that happening. You can see as well, for a lot of the girls, this is just a safe environment for them to get in and have a go at going wheel to wheel with each other, which is brilliant.”

While F1 is in town, F1 ACADEMY is also going to be racing around the streets of Jeddah this weekend, with four full-time members of the grid taking time to turn up at Race4Women and pass on their own expertise – Aston Martin’s Tina Hausmann, Red Bull’s Alisha Palmowski, Racing Bulls’ Rafaela Ferreira and Red Bull Ford’s Chloe Chambers.

And Oakes will also have an eye on proceedings in F1 ACADEMY with Hitech TGR – the junior team he still owns – running in the series, while they will be fielding Saudi Arabian Wild Card Farah AlYousef this weekend too.

“It’s kind of a small world that Farah, who’s just popped in now, obviously my Hitech team has been helping her get ready to race here in F1 ACADEMY,” Oakes explains. “[My friend] kindly lent her one of his F4 cars a couple of months back to have a go so it’s a nice full circle event with my non-Alpine hat on and my Hitech hat on.”

‘It doesn’t get better than this’ (Lina Hammadeh)

With the afternoon giving way to evening, and the sun slowly starting to dip out of sight, we have crowned the Race4Women champion following a pulsating final. Lina Hammadeh, 18, battled back from seventh to finish second in her heat, before taking the top spot in the grand finale of the day – and she was understandably delighted.

“It feels great, not only winning but being able to have been here, meet Sebastian Vettel and also to learn from him,” she says after collecting her trophy on the podium. “It was a great experience, I enjoyed racing the other girls, and also meeting them and speaking to them.

“I’ve had the chance to learn many things from Sebastian Vettel, not only on track but also about Formula 1 – since I was able to ask him a couple of questions. It was really nice to hear from him since he’s a four-time World Champion.

“It doesn’t get better than this. It’s a great event, the media, the friends that we got to bring and that watched us. It was really enjoyable.”

There are also some spectacular prizes to enjoy – the top three will all get a tour of the F1 Paddock at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, while Hammadeh will also get to test a Ferrari Challenge car.

“Who wouldn’t be!” she understandably responds when I ask how much she’s looking forward to them. But there’s also the joy of having raced to victory in front of her family – particularly her father – that shines through when speaking to her.

“I’m so happy that I got to do this in front of my father, Fadi Hammadeh, because he’s a racer as well,” she says. “He’s a champion here in the Middle East, rallying and autocross and stuff, so it was really good that he got to be here and watch me.”

‘We need to give them the stage to do it' (Sebastian Vettel)

The message from Vettel since he retired from racing in Formula 1 at the end of the 2022 season is simple and consistent – there is still a race to win. It’s a phrase captured on the banners around the karting track and encapsulates the social causes that the four-time World Champion has dedicated himself to help change for the better.

Here the focus is on grassroots motorsports in Saudi Arabia, as well as providing opportunities for female racers, as he’s keen to emphasize the good the sport can do.

“If you have F1 in town, in your own country, then little girls and boys are following because their parents might be following and that’s where dreams are born,” he says.

“They want to become racing drivers and try it themselves, and that’s where it needs the support in a bigger picture to have more go-karting tracks and better facilities, more go-karts available for all these kids to try.

“There’s a lot of things you get in one go. Obviously, you increase that courage to have a feeling behind a go-kart and to be in control, it’s a way to express yourself and I think it’s a way that helps you become more courageous when it comes to other topics. You’re taking the kids off the street, you’re helping them get a feel for a go-kart and, later on, for a car, so they’ll be more safe and more responsible on the roads as well.

“There’s a lot of things that click and will go hand in hand. So, there’s a lot of reasons why we’re here and why we’re putting this all together, but to be honest it’s a true inspiration to get in touch with these girls and hear about their lives.

"For sure it’s different for kids in Germany and many countries around the globe but the dreams are very much alike. That’s what it’s about, to make sure everyone’s got the same chances and – in particular women – that they are heard, because they can do the same and that’s why it’s important.

“F1 is opening up and you see more women in the paddock. You see women on the pit wall, you see them in the garage, and they are taking action, taking part – they’re not just guests. They’re part of the team and the infrastructure. That all enlarges the little girls’ vision when they start dreaming that they are able to do that as well.”

So, what’s next in this particular mission for Vettel?

“Hopefully we’ll see that there’s more support and a real push when it comes to grassroots – and kids, whether it’s boys or girls – to receive more support or funding, to grow the infrastructure,” he explains. “So that would be great to see and why not carry on spreading the message, which is really why we’re here.

“We’re creating awareness, the kids are there, the young women are there, they’re very courageous, and the dreams are there so we need to give them the stage to do it.”

[maxknightley]

What's your process for coming up with character concepts and powersets for eidolon? I've been putting together one myself after absolutely adoring poprock and especially Harvey and it seems like you'd have an interesting perspective on it

I usually start by choosing a well-established archetype, or an existing character who I like, to model the character on.

Once that archetype is established, I think about a suitable eidolon name and concept for them.

Having established the broad strokes of the eidolon and the wielder, I work to create a fresh spin on the concept. Over the course of the campaign, I differentiate them further over time.

Some examples, keeping in mind that my memory of the older ones isn't going to be 100% accurate.

Harvey D. Godlove (ROCK)

Okay, ROCK is going to be the campaign that leans more Jojo and less Persona. The Virtuoso playbook seems interesting... Hol Horse and Mista are both basically Virtuosos. I'll draw on that - make a ranged attacker who's kind of a dumbass.

Just making the Eidolon "a gun" would be kind of boring, though. I'd like to use an OK Go song for this... hey, I was on a pinball kick recently. What if I made him really into pinball - so that's the skill he mastered - and that means he can fire a pinball like a bullet, and control its movements to some extent like Sex Pistols? Call that shit "Here It Goes Again."

Okay, so he's really into pinball, maybe other arcade games too. Since he's a Virtuoso, he must also be really good at it. Maybe he's got a bit of an ego? Sees the whole "career criminal" thing as a side gig? If he's flashy, that lines up with a high ELE build.

Emilia del Valle (Against!)

You know who's sick as hell. Nico Robin from One Piece. But I wish they had leaned harder into the fact that she's, like, one of the oldest members of the crew and spent time as a hardened assassin. I like it when she's silly but the Context should be there. What if I played someone who's a bit older and worn down by life? A Veteran, but what would their sub-playbook be?

Looking through Against Me songs, there's a few good options. Maybe Cavalier Eternal, maybe Dead Rats... an Alchemist would be fun this time around. Something kind of edgy, to fit the vibe she's got going on. "My eidolon turns love into hate?" "Turns comfort into pain?" No, those are too abstract. I should think of something concrete, something piratey and One Piece-y... say, "Violence" would be a fun pick. Very straightforward. Maybe she can just summon a fuckton of cannons? And if she's an Alchemist, the most efficient material to use would be wood - she can turn a ship itself into a new weapon!

Okay, so she's a bit older than the others. Since she's a Veteran, maybe she was a big deal at one point, but got captured and nearly killed. It's cool when characters have monikers. Since her attacks are technically using plant matter, maybe I'll call her something like "The Wilted Rose" or "The Wilted Lily..."

Solo (SKA)

It's the Mystery Solving Teens season! Gotta have a Beast in there to be the Scooby (or the Goober if you're nasty). We're doing a "two generations" thing, too... maybe go for a Mystery Incorporated inspired vibe, where my character is a bridge between both shows, and has mysterious motives of their own...

If I'm making my character "the bridge" then I should look into some real early ska, something from the 70s or early 80s. That also means we'll get some more variety on the Playlist. Let's see, "The Untouchables" sound cool. What do they - oh my god. Oh my fucking god lol I know exactly what to do here.

"Soul Together" = "Clump Spirit" = Katamari. My guy is a little fucking scarab beetle but instead of a ball of dung he could roll a ball of Everything. Like it's a miniature black hole basically. And I'll double down on the "prince" thing - his motivations are tied up in the politics and faith of a whole little civilization of bug people. What if they lived in a terrarium in the science classroom lol

The only major exception I can think of is Flip, and that's only because I came up with a rough concept long before Luke and Molly had actually figured out the details of the setting or started on the new rulebooks. Even then it still followed the broad strokes of "pick some existing characters I like, draw inspiration from them, and then tweak/iterate until they have their own thing going on."

[aliceisathome]

And I'm back! Real life both sucks and gets in the way sometimes. SO - lot's to catch up on. First up was The Boy Next World because a. I'd watched the first few eps anyway and b. Boss Chaikamon. Obviously.

First glance it was very much a similar concept to that I expected/hoped Every You Every Me would be and it kinda subverted those expectations twice - once by leaning into the fact that there was no parallel universe just Cir regretting the path not taken after his coma and using all his stalker knowledge to lie to Phu. Then bam! it turns out there are parallel worlds and the two are together in all of them. Plus, y'know, some wibbly wobbly timey wimey stuff.

Actually I think this may be my favourite Mame series. She tried something interesting which, OK, didn't quite work in places (why did Cir's scar disappear/reappear if just the mind is different? Does the Cir in black just live in the padded room? Why the fuck did Cir just move out of his condo?) but it was different and new. Of course, this being Mame she also couldn't resist an evil parent (and Cir's mum was a spectacular example) and a conniving secret fiancee. At least there was no sexual assault this time. Actually Cir's dad and Phu's mum were also pretty abysmal parents - both too cowardly to be there for their children. Cir was pretty fucked up but then who wouldn't have been with that mother? I liked that Phu was a bit of a silly bint but also one who was brave and who could stand up for himself.

I also liked that Cir and Phu didn't jump straight into penetrative sex and that Phu's first attempt at a bj was authentically a bit crap* but then the sex scene was devoid of prep, lube and condoms so clearly we can't have everything but hey - you can't beat Boss and Noeul's chemistry.

*although Cir appeared to be an instant expert even though he's been stalking/obsessed for years and you can't tell me he's been practising with other men.

I liked our second couple as well - cute as fuck. Probably for the best that Wim lost the ability to read Jin's mind though - no relationship can survive that.

And Phu's friend Tee may be my spirit animal - gotta love a woman who's prepared to beat down an evil fake fiancee and take on the boyfriend who let it happen. Those friend groups should just dump Achi (idiot who needs a slap) and Rome (utterly pointless) btw.

SO - overall I enjoyed it despite some loose ends flapping around like there's a gale force wind. I'd have liked to see more of the altCirs and altPhus but hey. Now I go onwards - to The Heart Killers...

[eulaliasims]

Round 6: Midwife 3 / 6

Angus: So… do you think Snow would eat Gytha's cat?

Elmet: Probably not. I think. Is the cat, like, moving in here or is this a general question?

Angus: Um, no, but we'll both be of age to marry soon. I was just thinking about it.

Elmet: If you'll let me act all parental for a minute… I know lots of people do it, but you guys don't gotta rush off to get married right away. Nothing wrong with waiting a few years.

Angus: Yeah, I know. We probably will. Wait, I mean. I'm still studying with Mum and Gytha's still learning pottery… things.

Elmet: Cool. You're young, you've got time. You should be visiting strange bars and drunkenly making friends with pirates, not running off to play house.

Angus: No offense, but isn't that how you became a werewolf?

Elmet: No, no, that bar was definitely not cool enough for pirates.

Now the wolves have an excuse to actually be here. Because they live here. Elmet spends time at night making sure they learn good behaviors.

The wolves are actually not allowed in the house, which I normally do not do with sim pets, but... they're wolves. I think that was probably Helenet's limit on the wolves.

Elmet: Arturo, you should go with Helenet to the festival this afternoon.

Arturo: Have you hit your head now? Shall I fetch the witch?

Elmet: No, no, hear me out, I've got a whole plan! I've seen people at festivals in other towns who wear crowns with antlers in them made out of branches or, well, antlers. We'll make you a flower crown, and the green basically passes as makeup. Poof, you're human. And then when people ask who you are, you say you're traveling through from Evervale and you were friends with Helenet when she lived there, so you're catching up. It's foolproof.

Arturo: I thought she came from the village of Wyll.

Elmet: She grew up there, but after she left she lived a year or two in Evervale. Norweni recruited her from there when the last midwife died. I think Angus was already two when she came here. So you should take Netty and I'll stay home with the girls.

Arturo: Hm. You have put a lot of thought into this. But surely you would rather attend and dance with your wife?

Elmet: We've had other festivals; you haven't had any. Anyway, I already suggested this to Helenet and she'll be disappointed if you don't say yes, soooo.

Arturo: Ah, yes, the emotional blackmail comes out.

Arturo: I… why not? It might be… interesting.

Elmet: That's the spirit!

Arturo: I believe I have a formal robe still packed in that trunk.

Elmet: Ooh, can I see?

Elmet: …Maybe my brother has something you can borrow.

Arturo: Time for your nap, littlest witch, so that I may also nap.

Lune: Sleepy Daddy?

Arturo: Yes, yes, I will send your father to tuck you in as well.

I'm fairly sure only one of those wolves is supposed to be that color.

Snow: Grrrrr, get out of here, impostor. Find your own cushy situation.

[nossumusstellae]

Little late, but better than never!!

Question One: Introduce yourself! Who are you, what do you write and what got you into this art of storycraft?

Hey I'm Ella! Been writing poetry and short stories for a while (20 years ish?). I mostly write fantasy, magical-realism (reality with a touch of magic), and a bit of fanfic. Took up writing a bit more seriously eight years ago, after a big life change, and when the character of Jaye Avenheart decided to take up residence in my imagination. Since then, I've written a ton of short stories, a fanfic that somehow ended up with two sequels, and a novel. Now in my thirties, I am venturing into new creative spaces, exploring themes I've never touched, and contemplating self-publication.

As for what got me into writing... stories just... came to me and I write them down. I never think about where the stories come from. Characters and places and myths just begin whispering in my creative ear. I have family members who are and were amazing oral storytellers, and I suppose that talent just manifested in me as a written one.

And yes, I am a massive bookworm/DnD nerd. Always have been. ;)

Question Two: Your WiP is now in a genre you’ve not touched! What major changes does this pose for the plot? Will your characters survive as they are? Optional; Write a short scene in the new genre.

Uh oh. My current project is more fantasy leaning? Spirits, threads of fate, and Nephilim. Turn that into horror and Persephone is going to have a very hard time (she's a book nerd, not a fighter). Not to mention most of the plot going out the window!

My previous work, Nightfall, focuses on young Jaye. Look out zombies, you're going down.

Question Three: Let’s hear your characters talk! Do they have a special vocal tick, unique speech pattern, impediment? Do any curse often? Perhaps they don’t speak at all. Optional; Share some dialogue!

Jaye has a very unique accent. Part Newfoundland, part Irish, with a sprinkling of New York. Her accent was much, much thicker in her childhood than as an adult. She also swears a lot, throwing in a ton of Newfoundland sayings! Fun fact: her voice goes Irish when she's upset, and goes New York when she's happy.

Shaylock is Scottish. Very Scottish. As in constantly talks in Scottish Gaelic to the point even I have no idea what she's saying.

Characters in my Novel speak in a sort of broken English with very telling quirks (da, naw, ne'er, yer, yeh) that immediately tells you they are from a certain island. Another group of people speak extremely formally: no contractions, sharp pronunciation of every letter.

Question Four: We’re in everything we write. Whether we mean to be or not… What parts of you show up the most? Are you glad they do? Optional; Share a piece of yourself. A written bit that’s all you.

I'm an unapologetic asexual lesbian. So almost every woman I write... is an Ace Les. Just the way it is, I guess!

Not that I mind. At all.

Question Five: Last one! Why do you write, and who for? In that vein… Share your work. Whatever it is, share a link. (remember to share others’ links!) This is the promo post. PROMOTE YOURSELF. DO EET. SHOW ME THOSE LINKS. Hope you had fun and I’ll see you again next month!

I write because that is who I am. I tell stories. Stories that are for the people who find them. I write to explore new worlds, and meet interesting people.

Want to know more about my writing process? My moot Max put forth a ton of questions back in Dec 2024.

My itch page (contains novel and Reflections Saga, for now)

More info and more stories in my pinned post!!

My Bluesky!

For those who missed the live show, here are all our questions!

Feel free to cut em up and answer however you like.

Don’t be afraid to ask followup questions or respond to others’ answers! We’re trying to get our interaction back here, so get in those askboxes.

Remember the tags, support your fellow authors and have fun with it.

Questions One:

Introduce yourself! Who are you, what do you write and what got you into this art of storycraft?

Question Two:

Your WiP is now in a genre you’ve not touched! What major changes does this pose for the plot? Will your characters survive as they are? Optional; Write a short scene in the new genre.

Question Three;

Let’s hear your characters talk! Do they have a special vocal tick, unique speech pattern, impediment? Do any curse often? Perhaps they don’t speak at all. Optional; Share some dialogue!

Question Four;

We’re in everything we write. Whether we mean to be or not… What parts of you show up the most? Are you glad they do? Optional; Share a piece of yourself. A written bit that’s all you.

Question Five;

Last one! Why do you write, and who for? In that vein… Share your work. Whatever it is, share a link. (remember to share others’ links!) This is the promo post. PROMOTE YOURSELF. DO EET. SHOW ME THOSE LINKS. Hope you had fun and I’ll see you again next month!

[victoriadallonfan]

Avery Kelly: “I’m doomed to be alone and unloved for the rest of my life :(“

Avery Kelly (taking one step outside of Kennet): immediately swarmed by three different girls who are obsessed with her

[stars-obsession-pit]

During that early period of Gotham’s time as No Man’s Land where Batman was nowhere to be found, many hoped desperately for his return. For most, it was the normal sort of desperation engendered in everyone trapped in the collapsing city.

But for others, that desperation went much deeper. First into superstition, then gradually growing into a zealous, cult-like fervor.

Maybe if they sacrificed something valuable enough, their shadowy protector would return and save them.

And as for what that sacrifice would be, it was obvious.

For even in No Man’s Land, what is more valuable than a human life?

That Batman is just the human Bruce Wayne is immaterial. To the Infinite Realms, belief and reality are oft interchangable

And that much faith, funneled through a sacrificed soul, was more than enough to bear fruit.

Unseen by anyone down below, the Spirit of the Bat coalesced from the shadows of Gotham to begin their ceaseless hunt.

[skullkidmybeloved]

My human Majora design because I love drawing non human things as people. I've been drawing this mask loser as a person since I was a kid 😭

[merlinfromberlin]

Imagine. TFP but there was an ancient spirit/deity living in the Star Sabre.

Bee, after the fight at the Omega Lock, can't remember anything that happened after picking up the Star Sabre for the first time. His memories only set back in once he pulls Optimus back up onto the platform.

None of the Autobots discuss it either. The only thing they told him is that he killed Megatron. But they refuse to elaborate beyond "you grabbed the star sabre, jumped down, stabbed Megatron & saved Optimus".

Bee himself is not even aware of the hole in his memories at first. But then Raf starts asking questions about the fight and Bee always answers with the same sentence. "You know... it was a real doozie, but I got... lucky, I guess."

The first time Ratchet hears Bee say that, he flinches violently and then pretends like that is absolutely normal behaviour. No, you did not just see him crunch his incredibly fragile medical equipment. It's always looked like this.

Optimus also starts acting odd towards Bee. He can't quite look him in the eye but keeps observing him from a distance. They've also stopped their philosophical discussions (yes; I'm going to insert my headcanon that Optimus and Bee watch ATLA together and then use it as a jumping off point to discuss Cybertronian philosophy and culture into everything).

None of the bots would admit it, but all of them are doing their best to keep Bee confined to the base. He is barely out on patrol anymore. It gets even worse once they are back on Cybertron because now he doesn't even get out to pick up Raf anymore. He's always kept busy indoors. Not even Smokescreen wants to sneak out with him.

Still, no one wants to answer his questions about what happened at the OmegaLock. He tries to corner Smokescreen and Bulkhead about it because they are the weakest link when it comes to resisting Bee, his shenanigans and questions, but neither of them budge.

And then Bee starts noticing other signs of change. Sometimes, his optics will suddenly just burn brighter. Bright enough to illuminate dark rooms or reflect on metal surfaces around him. Sometimes he is no longer sure that they're really blue.

Then, one night, he has a dream. He is lying somewhere, prone on his belly, unable to move and incredibly tired. It's hard to comprehend anything that's going on. His surroundings are bathed in blue (?) light and he can't see him, but he can feel Optimus being there, incredibly tense as he stands in between Bee and something that's so old it should have dissolved into dust eons ago. Optimus and the thing are talking but he can only gauge snippets of their conversations before something soothes him back into deep recharge. Last thing he hears is Optimus' yelling his name.

Then he wakes up at the entrance of their base, Optimus and Ratchet waiting for him as he returns from a drive. He has no clue where he went. Or why they look at him as if he was a ghost. Until he checks his internal chronometer and realises that the equivalent of a week has passed.

And when he asks what's going on, Optimus just pulls him into a hug and holds him for a long time, not saying anything.

[muchmossymess]

au where ling comes to amestris early and winds up in dublith instead of rush valley, where he meets a certain greedy immortal...

[utilitycaster]

I have not finished the latest WBN episode but it is darkly funny to me that in the CR fandom there's a lot of ongoing discussion of "is it understandable that one might strike down the imperial wizard city for explicitly trying to kill all the gods" and in my (rather more limited) experience of the WBN fandom, people have been gunning for the destruction of the imperial wizard city for, among other things, possibly trying to bind the (effectively) gods to service since day one.

[carlottastudios]

Every day I get closer to making an unhinged behemoth of a post listing all of the things about Kaeya and his possible connections to mythology & stuff that I notice but NOBODY ELSE SEEMS TO BRING UP IN THEIR THEORIES

(edit: OMG I reached the tag limit I'm so sorry)

[puhpandas]

this is probably yet another issue that boils down to SBs state but I think mimic would have felt 100% better if they focused on the layers of security it has. like, mimic is just a rusty ass robot and has somehow survived this long and people refuse to try and kill it and trap it instead but right now it just seems frustrating bc it's a frail old robot. but I think if they would actually focus on how like, mimic KNOWS how fragile and vulnerable it is by itself so it created all those layers of security in the pizzaplex and glamrocks and vanny and rab to protect itself but keep doing what it was doing. I think thatd be so much more interesting if they framed more plots as stripping away that security instead of just "nobody has killed this thing yet and all its victims refuse to kill it for seemingly no reason"