#I’m just biased but her rp is SO good

[bonesandthebees]

Bagi was robbed 😭

[queenharumiura]

6996, 5986, 10069

[My KHR ship game] ||Accepting|| @astrxthesiai Reminder: This is me just talking in general, so in no way is RP portrayals or anything being considered her. All Neo in her head. Characterizations are based off what I think would be interesting set up for the ship.

Will also state that anything involving Mukuro may not be very good because I have a tendency to avoid him. So I apologize in advance if I have some things wrong.

6996

Hate it | Am Neutral to it | Ship it | love it! |

5986

[here] I truly cannot do a repeat. I'll DIE

10069

Hate it | Am Neutral to it | Ship it | love it! |

[READMORE TIME]

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So, some of us know how I feel about Mukuro. I may appreciate him as a character, I know that he adds a lot of value to the story, to the progression of certain character growths and the like—but I personally don’t vibe with him. I don’t like him. I can understand that he had a rough past, I can get that he’s nuanced, I can understand a lot of things, but ultimately, I view him as a bit of a risk. For his ideals, he is liable to doing things such as taking over bodies and not caring for the state that the body will end up in.

It isn’t to say that I don’t understand his motives, because they’re certainly understandable. He doesn’t want what happened to him to happen to others. I, unfortunately, am an emotional bean who is feels guilty very easily. I cannot use others in quite the way that he does. The moment he was shown to possess kids or possess injured people to use them against others- while totally understandable and a viable tactic- I just don’t like it. I don’t vibe with it. I just cannot get over it. MY CHILD FUUTA!!!!!! The emotional turmoil that child went through. I just… cannot condone the hurt that the child went through.

Then there is Birds who was very much willing to want to use Haru/Kyoko against the others and possibly ruin their lives. It matters not to me that it may not have been explicitly upon Mukuro’s orders or what. Inherently, the fact that he’s doing so, it makes it feel like he knows it’s okay to do so while under Mukuro’s wing. Perhaps the mentality of the necessary sacrifices for the greater good and it does rub me the wrong way (yes, I’m biased, and it may very well largely be because of Haru. SUE ME).

I’m well aware that people really like him, and that’s totally fine! Like I said before, as a character, I like him. He’s got a lot of nuance and dynamicism to his writing. He’s got a lot of depth to him in regards to his motives, machinations, his pitfalls, etc. That said, from an emotional and moral stance, he rubs me the wrong way and I don’t like him very much. I don’t hate him, no, but I will just stare at him from afar and squint. Would I defend him from any slander? Absolutely. I truly have my allegiance to the girls and to the kids. I hate Iemitsu and Cervello more than I do Mukuro for instance.

I absolutely understand the need to gather all the ‘guardians’ ie combatants together for the final sky battle. Totally get it. I see why the poison mechanic was used. I truly do understand why it was done—but EMOTIONALLY I’M STILL SEETHING!!!! LAMBO!!!! MY POOR CHILD!!!!! FK OFF YOU CHERRY HAIRED BITCH. <- How I like a character or dislike them truly is based off how petty I’m going to be.

Oh- I also forgot to mention. My favorite character, my very FIRST one was Lanchia. Do we now understand why I truly just cannot vibe with Mukuro? After what he did to Lanchia’s famiglia? How it left him with a lot of guilt and trauma? MY FAVORITE? NAHHHHHHH NAAAHHH!!!!

So yeah. That’s why I don’t like him. Don’t hate him, but also HISSSSS!

Before anyone gets scared—No, that doesn’t mean that I dislike Mukuro rp’ers. No, it doesn’t mean that I’d hate if a Mukuro rp’er wants to approach Haru and I. Neo enjoys all sorts of scenarios and relationship dynamics. I’m willing to try things if someone wants to try something. You want them to be friends? Sure. Frenemies? Sure.

Oh- another reason I remembered. I also muse Hibari as some of us already know. He, along with Yamamoto are tied for third place favorite KHR character BECAUSE HARU MIURA TAKES FIRST AND SECOND PLACE! THE LOVE OF MY LIFE TAKES TWO SLOTS, YOU OTHER CHARACTERS SIT DOWN AND BOW- just kidding.

I’m loyal to Hibari and he doesn’t like Mukuro so THEREFORE! I cannot like Mukuro. Mhm mhm. It’s only right, mhm mhm. I’m a loyal bean, mhm mhm. (Would I also throw  him into a room of Sakura blossoms to piss him off though? No comment. I’m only loyal to a point. I just love chaos)

ANYWAYS, to the main point.

There are aspects of Mukuro and Chrome that I do not like as a ship, and it comes down to the power dynamic imbalance that the two had. Especially in the beginning of the series where she can only survive based off his illusions and what he gets out of it is taking over her body so to speak to enact whatever he has to do. It is rather symbiotic, yes, but there is more power in the hands of Mukuro and her behavior shows it. Yes, he in essence saved her, but she didn’t really save him. He’s using her in exchange for her life. There is a feeling of how her life is his and that whatever he wants is fine by her. She is his to command because of the gratitude of giving her new life.

Her identity is not only her own but also his. There is more of an imbalance which makes me a bit uncomfortable at times. Yes, you may argue that he too has given up a lot and done a lot for her but one can also spin it that he puts up with certain things because of the overarching goal of what he ultimately wants—to get rid of the mafia. What better way than to get closer to the Vongola 10, let them drop their guard with the sweet Chrome and then swoop in once he sees a crack. This is a way that you could spin it. I’m not saying that IS how it is, but I’m shedding light on the fact that it COULD be a way of looking at it.

Depending on how you personally view him, some of their dynamic can take shape in a different way.

Now, I do personally think they are meant to be a duo. (Yes, after I said all that I think they are meant for each other lol) When you think about how the primo and tenth gen are very similar to one another but with differences, you can truly see something through Elena/Daemon and Chrome/Mukuro. Just like how Elena was the one who introduced Daemon to the Vongola and asked him to join the cause, Chrome is the one who basically dragged Mukuro into the Vongola due to HER association with them. She slowly assimilates with the Vongola and becomes friends with them, and by that association, Mukuro is associated with them as well for her sake.

This contradicts his desire to overthrow the mafia and rid of them in a sense, but also- it is a good way for him to also oversee what they are doing and get rid of the dirt that he doesn’t want to see. He both can make use of this while also in a small way going against his ideals and it’s for Chrome’s sake by large. I believe anime didn’t really go through this but the manga did. Mukuro remembers his other past lives, and he’s been through the torment of the various hellscapes. He’s seen more than the average person and went through more. Mentally and emotionally that had to be taxing and arduous for the soul.

Elena was Daemon’s light. She was his everything. She was the connection that connected him to the Vongola. When he lost her, a part of him snapped and he in a sense went rogue. He had no tether to keep him grounded. Chrome could’ve died, but Mukuro came in to save/help her. She is his tether. Unlike Daemon who failed to protect her, Mukuro was able to keep Chrome around. The first generation have had failures to some degree where the 10th generation resolve a lot of those failures. It’s almost like a tale of generational healing. The 10th generation are NOT the reincarnations of the primo generation, but they are similar. Eerily so, and that is to so the parallels between them and to show that new generations can pave the way and do things differently to heal from the past.

So you have Chrome and Mukuro sticking together, you have the Vongola and Shimon rekindling their friendship, the guardians not having to live with the fact that they failed to protect their boss and keep him around (cough TYL arc almost counts but doesn’t lol). Chrome, much like Elena was for Daemon, are a tether to keep their guys grounded, but to also help heal their pains through their more gentle nature. Almost like a reminder that the world may suck, but there are still good in the world. Nobles SUCK but some nobles like this daughter of a DUKE cares for all, including the common folk. There exist some nobles who TRULY embody the Noblesse Oblige.

In final arc where Chrome buts in to help strengthen Mukuro’s illusions he even thinks to himself that it’s amazing that someone else can understand his illusions so well and amplify them—he can feel his heart- healing? Chrome is that person that Elena was for Daemon. They both need each other for different things. Chrome eventually became able to make illusions for herself and to become self-sufficient. Sh can be the warrior who can fight alongside Mukuro. This contrasts how Elena likely wasn’t a fighter or did anything on the front lines. Chrome intends to be by Mukuro’s side and fight alongside him. She will not allow herself to just sit idly by. I feel Elena wished she could have done more by Daemon’s side. Take on some more of his burdens and Chrome embodies that regret and she solves it herself.

More towards the end of the series, when Chrome is able to sufficiently care for herself with her own power, that’s when their true symbiotic relationship shines through. There is less of a power imbalance between them. She becomes her own person- as we know that’s why she struggled for a while because she refused his illusions. She had seen him walking about in the flesh, and it was like he wasn’t a part of her anymore and she just couldn’t accept his illusions when she had no real use to him. That, is what shows the imbalance they had. We NEEDED that scene for Chrome to grow and come to terms with what she wanted.

No, she will not allow herself to be a bystander who will just allow herself to be taken care of. She wants to be helpful to Mukuro. She WANTS to be able to stand by him proudly. She WANTS to fight alongside him. This is such a poignant difference between the two generations. It’s so incredibly important to highlight where they differ and how this change shifts the dynamic between the two. Now, it’s more of respected equals. She’s able to be more proud of herself, and to assert what she wants. She is more open to actually being what she had always meant to be: herself. She doesn’t have to rely on someone else, she doesn’t have to associate her being, her IMPORTANCE to someone else. Now, she is truly Chrome Dokuro, and she has chosen for herself that she wants to be Mukuro’s warrior, his comrade.

This is an incredibly important and praiseworthy dynamic shift between the two and this is what makes the ship between them AFTER this point a more healthy one. I don’t have many ideas for cute things between them—and that’s largely due to the fact that I don’t think too much about Mukuro in general because I prefer to avoid him in my mental space. Sorry if any ideas that do come out aren’t very good. I am very hesitant about the knowledge and understanding I have of Mukuro. I don’t think I understand him that well due to the fact that I like to turn my eye away from him. I did try though!

I suppose a cute idea could come in the form of the box animal, where Chrome may like to dote on the owl and care for its feathers. I could perhaps see Mukuro finding it cute to see them bond, but also feel a bit left out because all her attention is on the owl and not himself. Watch him be like pluck the bird from her hands so he can take care of the feathers. Instead why don’t you help him with his hair? Look, brushing hair is epitome of domestic bliss. When someone else brushes my hair it gives me the brain tingles that ASMR is supposed to give you. BLISS. Don’t underestimate small bliss!!!

I just like the idea of Chrome learning how to make simple chocolate desserts from Kyoko/Haru for fun. She learned to make some for her friends but somehow a lot of them end up getting hogged by Mukuro. He likes chocolate for one, but they were also made by Chrome’s hand. He shan’t give them up to other people so easily. I personally am okay with lil greed moments like that. I find it both a lil funny and a lil cute. It would be very funny/cute to me if he got caught and he just tries to play it off like it’s no big deal. NAH BRO YOU GOT CAUGHT.

Sorry, that’s all my brain could think of for now. I have the next portion to go to so let’s move on.

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So I’m neutral to it while also somewhat hating it. Most of it comes down to who the characters are. The reason why I’m more neutral towards it…

LOOK I MAY FIND HIM UNNERVING BUT A BITCH CAN’T DENY A PRETTY FACE, OKAY? BYAKURAN IS ALSO A PRETTY FACE, OKAY OKAY? TWO PRETTY BOYS KISS!!!!! FOR THE AESTHETICS!!!!!!

That’s all. Moving on.

Just kidding! I’m tired, my fingers have already typed like what… 10k for these ship memes alone? I’ve been writing other stuff too. My poor fingers…

Anyways. I will also state that the reason why I’m very SQUINT about ships including Mukuro is that I see him and Chrome as a duo, a pair. If I see him with anyone else, I start shaking my screen like YOU FUCKER!!!!!! HOW DARE YOU, TO CHROME!!?!?!? I’LL SLAY YOU WHERE YOU STAND. YOU DARE GO ASTRAY FROM THE BEST LIL BEAN, CHROME?????? So yeah. (Yes, I’m biased)

See, here’s the thing, we know that Mukuro dislikes the mafia, and he doesn’t want what evils happened to him to happen to anyone else. Byakuran quite literally in essence mind broke Uni and she was a young lil girl. He has actively acted to kill people, to manipulate them, to use them, to discard people, etc. I can perhaps see him feeling impressed by the extents that Byakuran is willing to go to for his ideals, but ultimately his ideals are such that it goes against Mukuro’s creed.

He is also a reason why his Chrome had to suffer in the TYL arc, due to his evil machinations. Chrome had to be brought to the future and she did suffer some. It was a dangerous time for her. TYL Chrome was also injured if I recall correctly. It’s just a time of you put my Chrome in danger. I do not really see Mukuro being able to look past that.

Now, you can argue that for the sake of his ideals and wanting to manipulate Byakuran, you could do the plan on employing romance or seducing him to lead him in the direction that you want. I honestly can kind of see Mukuro doing so—but in that case, I don’t consider that a ship because it’s not in earnest?

Of course, we do know after TYL arc, Byakuran is different. He is more or less turned good by a factor of ‘well I can’t do any evil any more. I was stuck in limbo for a while until Uni saved me, I shall do what I can to make it up to her. Whether people trust that I intend good or not is up to them~’

One can argue that he’s good now, it’s okay! There is no difference in morals or motives! Still, as we’ve seen with some of the others, they can’t so easily put the ‘past’ aside. They went through a lot of traumatic shit because of Byakuran. He had showed them all just how ugly his motives were when he went ballistic after Uni sacrificed herself. How he literally almost killed Tsuna and all that. That is not an easy thing to look past, so it’s actually very impressive of Tsuna to be able to be willing to put his trust in him, and for Uni to want to bring him out to ask for aid. Both are very impressive individuals.

One can argue that through this change, it is a possibility and that perhaps Mukuro could want to cosey up to him for the benefits of whatever power Byakuran may possess in modern times. His influence, but I mean—he’s under surveillance. He doesn’t seem to really intend to do anything bad, so he wouldn’t be that much use as a pawn or anything like that. So I don’t see the whole seduce in the effort to use tactic.

I suppose you can kind of look at how they both have the tendency to tease others or lowkey mock them through sarcasm and consider that a fun banter between them. That is fun, I won’t lie, but that alone doesn’t constitute as a ship for me. I just personally don’t feel enough of a vibe between them to feel that they could be a ship that isn’t anymore more than a superficial thing.

I like the ship from an aesthetic stand point. Both are very beautiful and the sarcastic kind of banter between the two of them could be fun. It could also be interesting to see how they both continuously try to undermine each other for their ideals, which would again make for a fun dynamic, but that alone just—doesn’t work for me. I do feel there would always be a level of mistrust between them. The fact that you tried to kill me/you killed me kind of mentality would still remain. Mukuro’s ‘death’ wasn’t really a thing as we know, but it was believed for a time (not I. You can’t fool me, Amano!!!!). Byakuran DID die by the hands of the Vongola. That really isn’t easy to move past.

Yes, you can argue that Byakuran’s flighty attitude and his nonchalance may be a sign that he doesn’t really care for it, or doesn’t think much of it, but I disagree. If you pay attention to some of his wording choices in some scenes, he is very cognizant of the fact the future self had done wrong. He feels for the fact he did really fucked up stuff to people, especially Uni. He was willing to do whatever he had to for her sake. He wanted to do something for her and when asked if ‘can we trust you’? He could only really respond with the logical, that’s up to you to decide, because it really is up to them. He was VERY aware that there is 100% reason for them to doubt him. He accepted the fact for what it was and left the decision in the hands of Tsuna.

There is an underlying sense of guilt that he has for what he’d done, even if he may act the same carefree and playful kinda guy. In my mind and observation, it’s somewhat of a mask. I do think it would be easier for others to deal with him if he kept that upbeat kind of personality because that’s what they knew of him. Changing too drastically would be too much. Naturally, I do think it IS a part of his personality, and that is also hard to change. Still, I don’t think his lack of major change to personality shows that he wasn’t affected.

You can see it in some instances of his speech, his willingness to just sacrifice whatever to be of use, to almost prove himself as someone who isn’t that dictator from the future. He wants to solidify a new identity to himself. Given Mukuro’s past and his disdain for the evil corruption of some mafia… I don’t think he and Byakuran are a good match because it’s going to be a constant reminder of who he was.

What that Byakuran had done to Mukuro. It would be incredibly hard to work out a ship between the two and my gut is telling me that neither of them are the sort who would really want to exert such extensive energy to forge a relationship that is past a superficial one based off interests and motives.

However, one could argue that Mukuro could somehow see the modern day Byakuran for what he is, a victim of circumstance. He’s being doubted and disdained for something he literally didn’t do. He can never become that guy again, and yet he’s being treated with negativity and mistrust. The Byakuran of the past hadn’t really done anything (I don’t think he had done anything yet at that point in the timeline to be fair, hence me saying this), so it can feel unfair to him. There is maybe a SMAALLLL chance that Mukuro can see this and watch over Byakuran to see if he’s truly a different person.

Is he trying to do better by everyone? If so, maybe he can offer a small alliance of sorts and they can work together to act against the filth of the mafia. Mukuro gets what he wants and Byakuran gets to do a bit of paying back for the evils his future-self did. In a way, you could say that he’d be resolving some of the knots in his chest brought about from guilt. It can be nice, but then it sorta comes back to what I didn’t like about Chrome and Mukuro at first, that there would be a bit of a power imbalance inherently because one of them is still basically a ‘criminal’ but is trying to repay that by doing good and Mukuro is basically the one who is directing him to do so. For an alliance it would be more titled towards one party.

I don’t like such power imbalances personally, but some people may like it! If you like that, all the power to ya! This could be your cup of tea! I personally don’t really like it, but I can see the merit to it. I think it would be an incredibly fascinating idea for someone to write out. Some relationships in fiction and reality do have a power imbalance, but if you have enough trust in each other, you can make it work. It mostly is an issue if someone has hidden motivations, which, with Mukuro could be likely. That’s what I don’t like, but I think it could mayyyybe work out, but it would take a LOT of work.

Also, if they became a thing what are you going to do about Chrome, huh? You going to start neglecting her? HUH? I’m coming for your pineapple brand and will put you onto pizza.

I shall not think of cute ideas because I’m not really on board with the ship so I don’t really feel like thinking about cute things. Forgib.

[collarofguns]

thinking thoughts about my durge and drow culture and how they look very female but are very much nonbinary. and how drow culture is so heavily matriarchal and what that means for vigil. i’m not verrrry far into my durge run yet and in my main run i’m just kinda splorin in act 3, so i’m not sure exactly what’s up with the canon dark urge backstory bits or if any of this would necessarily contradict it but.

idk. i think vigil must have stayed closeted without even really considering coming out, seeing how heavily praise seeking they are (also probably why they became a bard they like being the public face if it nets them praise) they wouldn’t want to give up any inch of recognition or respect they’d get as a “female” drow. i’m not even really sure how drow culture would treat trans drow or if it would even be acknowledged as a possibility, but either way i do not think vigil would be ready to face Any Of That. instant gratification forever please with no far reaching consequences. and even outside of menzoberrazan they wouldn’t speak a word about it to anyone, because there are still gendered biases out there, just the other way now, and they’ve never seen anyone like them before but if they’re in the minority then certainly it wouldn’t be good for them. they’re the good little bhaalspawn who follows orders and kills so efficiently. they’ll pander to their id every now and again, but that’s what’s expected of them, that’s safe territory. it doesn’t make the people they want to please think any less of them, because those people know full well what they’re getting into when it comes to vigil; the gender thing is too self-aware and earnest and vulnerable. it’s not a bout of impassioned bloodlust.

and then oops all tadpole and they forget what they told the world they were so they just say what comes the most naturally to them. if i could i’d make it so that anyone who knew vigil before the tadpoling would she/her them but larian doesn’t let me make the npcs misgender my durge for rp purposes 😔

[silvcrignis]

♛ prettytm

{Meme}: [ ♛ ] send me your url and i'll tell you the following; {x}

My opinion on;

Character in general: Real talk dead ass? Nothing lol I followed to flirt with his writer a little bit I haven’t keep up with Marvel’s ridiculous fucking spin offs for a good long while.

How they play them: Keira has very conflicting emotions about Billy. I’m a hard judge of other people’s writing at times because of my own personal standards I apply to myself (sorr I’m from the My Immortal just dropped era I’m afraid to write a big tiddy vampire girl OC sometimes) & one of those standards is if this rat bitch has conflicting emotions about your character they’re very well written.

The mun: They’re gay. As hell. Massive gay, I could smell it from a distance. I love Punky for that because I myself am a chaotic twink gremlin like gehegt pls harass me daily our crackhead energy matches perfectly I love you??? 🥺 Also I’m very biased towards people who indulge me. Punky indulges me thus I am biased 😈.

Do I;

Follow them: I sure fuckin do.

RP with them: I will rub my gay lil handsies all over every single muse they write if given the fucking chance.

Want to RP with them: I want them to take my very soul essence & take theirs in exchange. I want to make them cry IRL with my very worst headcanons™️. It would bond us together stronger yk? Forged in adversity & all that 🥰🖤

Ship their character with mine: Keira has been struggling & snarling while resisting the temptation but Billy is her type™️ so hard with a few deviations like his opinion on female drug addicts will definitely cause the most friction considering how much PAIN she was in during that period of her life & she is very much in the “addiction is an ILLNESS, you jackass” camp but I LOVE ANGST SO THAT POINT OF CONTENTION IS LIKE uhhhh giving me a boner??? She might even cry??? It’s so hard to get her to do that out of genuine sadness??? God, GIVE it to me!!!

What is my;

Overall opinion: Get on the dual functioning pogo stick right this fucking instant, bitch we have followers we need to make both sob & pine with their insane chemistry & dynamic they already have despite just barely knowing each other.

**Note: Mun’s answer are all to be completely honest. Don’t send url if you don’t want brutal honesty.

[avaritia-ffxiv]

Do you have a favorite character? Do you have one you wish you had rp for but don't yet? Can you tell us a bit about either / both?

Oh oof. If we keep this to FF14, like, I love all of my muses, but I’d still need to say that my straight up favorite is Saahe. He was the first, he’s my main, the one I’ve spent the most time with, and also the one shipped with my favorite NPC. What’s there not to love for me (and also out of my characters he has the most meaningful relationships with Angoul and Aelfrun, two of friend’s characters, which adds to it. I love ‘em all).

As for who hasn’t had an rp yet, that’d beeeeeeee Ash n Runa and Dzudzu n co.

Dzudzu I think is a bit more difficult character to interact with just because he’s so fickle that it’s hard to get anything meaningful going with him, and I do love meaningful. So for him I’d kinda hold off until I found the right person with the right character to write with so we could get something other than “was a good time, I shall now proceed to forget all about you!” on his part. I don’t really enjoy one-off threads; long-term story-building is what I’m after. But yeah it’d either need to be another Xaela that hit it off with him because he is biased for Xaela, or just someone else who either had such good synergy with him or challenged him to a point where he couldn’t just write them off.

So, he’s on hold until such a person comes along, but who I would more actively hope for a thread for would be Ash n Runa. She’s my second oldest character creation date wise and I do have a very soft spot for her despite how awful she is on the outside, but I’d just really, really love for her to make some buddies outside of Ash and get some chances to work through her issues. Ash is great for her, but he’s only one person.

Of course with her being a little ball of undiluted rage, Ash is kinda semi-necessary as a buffer ‘cause she’s not likely to get anywhere with anyone otherwise. Either the other person won’t take her shit at which point it’s... Not likely to end well for anyone, or they will take her shit and she’ll lose respect for them, or they’re oblivious to her shit and she’ll take an extra disliking to them.

How I’d handle her, then, would just be to either have Ash present, or introduce Ash and the other character first before bringing Runa in later ‘cause she tries to behave herself for his sake, extra so if he’s friendly with someone ‘cause she doesn’t want to ruin his relationships. And Ash is far easier to get along with on account of being a total sweetheart. Of course I don’t want to delegate him entirely and only to the role of enabling interactions for Runa, but that’s definitely one job for him on the side of building relationships of his own. I'd imagine he’d mostly just need someone who wasn’t a total asshole to him or in general because if he can’t see you as anything other than an ass then he’s not going to stick around (or rather, Runa won’t let him stick around to be a doormat as he’s kinda wont to do).

Although one new opening was made by my shenanigans of fantaing Runa into a Xaela, and that’s the whole she wasn’t born a Xaela and doesn’t know that much about about the Xaelic cultures. Considering she’d still love to learn, tossing a Xaela at her would most likely have her to try to curb her worst behaviors for the chance of getting some new infos.

And then of course there’s also Rise and Darcevain, but I haven’t finished their blog yet and I’d honestly need to give more thought to what I’d like to have for them. Possibly some magically inclined Elezen, at least for Rise. Duskwight would be a plus most likely.

[tellthemeerkatsitsfine]

hello, me again (person watching the last leg) - i've reached series 11 and i'm still really enjoying this show so i've come back with more notes from the past few seasons

-so far my favourite guest has been jessica hynes, due to her calling trump and pence cunts and the story about punching a guy who threw eggs at her. in a similar vein i liked miriam margolyes, who called alex a yob and said they should bleep josh more and then proceeded to say cunt twice in quick succession. -i experienced a brief millisecond long crush on josh when he snapped "well we should give back the elgin marbles cos they're not fucking ours" like yes king rage against the british museum

Part 2:

-one of my problems with this show is their tendency to "both sides" things a little too much, so im worried for when the topic of transgender people starts to pick up. idk how bad it is in canada but in the uk the media is extrememly biased against trans people, including the bbc, so i've got a bad feeling it won't be handled with a lot of grace.

-i think my favourite example of someone still laughing after the segments changed is in s10 ep10, where everyone is still laughing well after alex's misguided joke and josh is in hysterics during the outro

-im still not used to politicians turning up, but i dont have such an instinctive knee-jerk reaction anymore. yesterday i watched ed milibands episode and i was not prepared for him to a) have a sense of humour, or b) make that pig fucking joke. that being said i'm glad they all have the snooty rp accent because otherwise i might start actually liking them.

-in bad news, i've just realised that they've taken all but the most recent three episodes off of all 4 so when i get to later seasons i'm going to have to head to reddit for pirating links. i dont understand why they'd do this, honestly it makes me really sad to think theres a chance it's gonna be gone forever.

anyway yeah, im still having a blast watching this!

That's great, I'm glad you're enjoying it! And glad you still have notes!

- Jessica Hynes has been fantastic every time on The Last Leg (and just on everything else she does, which is on my mind at the moment as I only just watched last week’s episode of Outsiders and I think the way she and Joe Wilkinson play off each other is the best thing about this season). She was very good next to Chris O’Dowd in that episode when he showed up hammered, a whole situation that I found so hilarious that it makes me readjust how highbrow I like to think my sense of humour is. Another thing that reminds me I’m really not above things like that is I think Miriam Margolyes saying “cunt” twice in about a minute, and the collective reactions to that, is one of the funniest things that’s ever happened on that show. I sometimes re-watch just that bit and lose my breath laughing every time. Margolyes comes back a few times in future seasons, and she’s just good every time.

- Yeah Josh Widdicombe is not super political, but every once in a while he says something like that with what sounds like some genuine venom behind it, and that’s always good. Welcome to crush on Josh Widdicombe club, even if you were only briefly a member!

- Yeah, the tendency to “both sides” is a recurring issue, and one that, to be honest, only gets worse. It’s mostly not that bad, the show does take clear stances on lots of the most important issues, but sometimes they drop the ball. I understand why, they’re a mainstream Channel 4 show and they’re not trying to get in trouble, and sometimes, to their credit, they say some controversial stuff anyway. But they’ve pulled punches at times that I haven’t liked.

I can’t recall a lot of specifics about the way they take on trans issues, but I think I’d remember if I ever thought they handled it particularly badly, so you don’t have to worry about that too much, with one glaring exception. In 2019, people on Twitter asked them to give the “Dick of the Year” award to Graham Linehan, and they refused. I agreed with their reasoning for refusing – it involved the fact that Linehan had Tweeted about how he wanted to win that award, and they have a policy against using their silly year-end thing as a way to give more attention to people who are actively courting that attention, so anyone who says they want to win the Dick of the Year isn’t allowed to win it. That’s fair enough, but I didn’t like the way they explained it. There was a very short, careful, speech that really “both sides”-ed the issue in a way I did not and still don’t like. I think people Tweeted about giving Linehan that award because transmisogyny is clearly an important issue to lots of fans of The Last Leg, and they dismissed those concerns with the way they responded. I wrote a post around this time last year with the exact wording of what they said, if you want to know how bad it was before getting further invested.

I think it was a serious misstep, and not the only time I’ve remembered that they’re not going to get on the wrong side of people who do things like significantly influence their industry or, for example, give them MBEs. Their recent post-queen death episode reminded me that I should not expect this show to take difficult positions on things (I didn’t expect them to come out calling for a Republican revolution or anything, but any nuance at all in their sycophantic reverence for the monarchy and all it stands for would have been fucking nice). Having said that, I think they’ve got a lot of things right over the years, and moments with which I have a significant problem are few. But it’s good to keep your expectations at a level where you’re not too disappointed when they refuse to rise above things.

- Back to fun parts! The outro is always the funniest time for one of them to have an uncontrollable attack of laughter, because it’s when they’re not able to make up lost time by rushing through other stuff later, so Adam really has to just keep reading the autocue over whatever’s happening. Always funny. More often happens with Alex, but sometimes with Josh too, and sometimes they just set each other off. I think that might be my favourite thing about The Last Leg – any time Josh and Alex set each other off about anything.

- Oh God, I forgot they had Ed Miliband on. I suppose the fact that he can be so likeable on a comedy show is why comedy shows shouldn’t have politicians, but having said that, they sometimes create among the best episodes (I have to admit the Nick Clegg episode made me like Nick Clegg, it’s a good thing I don’t have a vote in British elections).

- Don’t worry, The Last Leg is well archived not gone forever. Send me something I can reply to privately (a private message or a non-anonymous ask) if you end up having trouble finding links, though stuff from seasons 15-ish and later tend to be not that hard to find. The early seasons are tough though, I’m glad I picked those up when I did. And the London 2012 episodes might actually be gone, but the rest is out there.

[cartoonrival]

/rp

ok so i’ll admit ponk’s response and comments to sam today surprised me, but looking back it actually fits perfectly?

from the start, from when sam first cut off ponk’s arm, ponk repeatedly says things that all boil down to “this isn’t you. you aren’t yourself right now.”

“Do you not see what the prison is doing to you Sam? Look at yourself! This isn’t the Sam I know.”

and

“You say you have an issue being controlled by the egg and whatnot. Is the prison not controlling you? Huh? Is it not? Can you not see yourself being controlled?”

ponk compares the prison to the egg, which they have direct experience with, and how it makes them do bad things they wouldn’t normally do, how they lose control of their own mind and actions. the egg literally and supernaturally possesses the people who come in close contact with it, but ponk is so sure sam is still good and the sam that ponk loves is still there that they see it fit to compare their relationship with the egg to sam’s relationship with the prison. ponk never believed that sam was too far gone.

today, ponk brings up her missing arm, and after sam grows casually defensive, ponk pauses, looks directly at sam, and says,

“Just so you know, just so you know. You can come to me, after... after everything. I will still support you Sam! Okay? You’ll have a place to stay. Because... all the wrong you’ve done is gonna catch up behind you, you know? All the wrong you’ve done.”

again, ponk isn’t saying that sam is forgiven. what she is saying is that everything that sam is going to go through as a result of the bad things he did to ponk will be enough for ponk to consider them even. and, because ponk believes that the sam she loves is still there, just buried deep under, from ponk’s perspective, god knows what happens in that prison, she offers her support when the time comes.

sam, of course, who is still confident he is in the right, dismisses ponk’s offer.

Sam: “I haven’t really done anything wrong.”

Ponk: “Haven’t you? Haven’t you?”

Sam: “No. I think I’m a good guy.”

Ponk: “You think you’re a good person?”

Sam: “I don’t know, you don’t think I’m a good person?”

Ponk: “I— I mean... my opinions are biased.”

here, not only does ponk decline to answer whether or not he still thinks sam is a good person, he also declines to argue with sam over whether or not sam has done anything wrong. ponk is very firm in his belief in karma; sam will get his comeuppance, but not yet. and when it does come, ponk knows it will hit hard, so there’s no use in attempting to sway him now before he’s ready.

ponk isn’t afraid to bring up their missing arm or make jabs at sam, sometimes even mocking how serious he is about the prison, but they never push it to the point of argument, because it isn’t time for sam to learn yet. the karma from his own actions coming back at him will teach him more than anything ponk could do.

[theartist-june]

Characters in order:

Nefarious (Nightmare Sans) - Nefarious is actually one of my favorite characters in Breathverse and in RP and OC-wise in general. Maybe because I’m too biased with a well-thought out character? Nefarious is actually more of a passive Nightmare and could invoke/use the negative energy, he doesn’t need to eat it. Or... well, he doesn’t want to because it would mean that he had given up on himself and on the jealousy he has from his brother. Neffy is actually very greedy. He LOVES gold and riches, which is why he is the most influential businessman and the richest villain there is in Breathverse. He already has his own empire that he created and decided to try rule over Breathverse. He is that greedy.

Aurorae (Dream Sans) - I actually went for a battle monk look on Aurorae and pretty much is kind of a monk yeah. He is strong without a doubt, and is very patient. He loves his brother very much but never noticed the growing hate that came from his brother that pretty much ruined their relationship forever. He still chases after his brother in order to get him back, but every time he does it just ends up in a big fight where one side needs to escape. He may be kind and gentle, but he knows good sometimes needs to be taken through brute force.

Torrid (Lust Sans) - Ah yes, also one of my favorites! Torrid is a trans skele-woman who is in terms of brute strength, is the strongest in Breathverse. She could send your head flying with just a serious slap! Hell, she fights with Reaper Sans every time she meets him (because she is deemed as both an enemy but also a good rival) and still get out of the fight without dying. I called her Brute Honey because she is just that sweet. And oh--the fact that she is surviving her everyday life with the condition of being in constant heat is amazing. She is going to fall for lust, she will fight it! That’s why she ended up being very strong, just the sheer will and determination.

Silvers (G-Papyrus) - The echo brothers are actually in the bad guys side and is serving as workers for Nefarious. G Sans (who is called Klein) is a janitor and Silvers is the head butler of Nefarious’ castle. Because of mastery, his magic can turn anything into silver... the bad side is that he cant control it completely so he turns everything into silver/silvery. It takes a lot of power and effort to have this ability restrained so it becomes the Midas situation.

Weis (Aftertale Sans) - Well, I tried my best to come up with a design for and oldish-fashion but also looking like a war medic so here he is. Weis is a medic, hell, a witch doctor. He is very solitary though so he tends to be seen less around Breathverse in general. He is secluded, doesnt like being around people much, and studies to try and ‘fix’ himself because of his ever-dying state. But he does have friends, surprisingly. Helps with Bereft’s condition.

(These are old stuff, I’m just sharing them now.)

[aria-greenhoodie]

My opinions on every Dream smp character (/rp /c! /lh) 

THIS IS NOT ABOUT THE CREATORS THIS IS ABOUT THE CHARACTERS AND THIS IS ALL SAID LIGHTHEARTEDLY!!!

Dream - die.

George - Does he even exist??? I think he just stays asleep in a shroom forest until Dream XD drags him out for “fun time.”

Sapnap - Pet Killer. >:( But is engaged to Karl and Quackity who are both cool so I guess it’s fine.

Callahan - All knowing and terrifying, but fantastic and great.

Sam - What the fuck??? Is??? Going on with this man??? He’s fucked up. I don’t think hes a bad person but he needs someone to tell him to fucking stop, because he has done bad shit, even if I dont think he’s bad, like, what in the fuck. I kinda wanna bite him.

Warden - IM SORRY IM SORRY DONT KILL ME FUCK SHIT PISS BALLS IM SOR

Sam Nook - The best Sam. I’d kill and die for him. irl. /gen. This is not a joke. I love this robot. SO MUCH. Love so muchh. <333

Alyssa - Exists? I think???

Ponk - I don’t know a lot about her but I want to know more and I know they are WONDERFUL AND DIDN’T DESERVE WHAT SAM DID TO HIM, SAM WHAT THE FUCK, THIS IS WHY YOU NEED TO BE PUT IN FUCKING LINE, PONK WAS SO NICE TO YOU EVEN AFTER ALL THAT, WHAT THE FUUUUCK

BBH - Bit fucked up. Not that pleasant.

Tommy - Big Man. Always correct. Don’t argue with me about this, I'll bite you. And he probably will too. He reminds me of me when I was in middle school and because of that I will side with him always.

Tubbo - Awe, what a little lad! Oh, he’s a bit fucked up. O-oh… he’s a LOT fucked up… Still a little lad though! Also pretty gender. Also according to literally every single “WHICH DSMP CHARACTER ARE YOU?” quiz I take I’m him, so that’s cool!

Fundy - I hold you very gently and tenderly but also very far away at arms length just in case.

Punz - Punz

Purpled - Funky fucking alien boy!!! Good builder, really cool, deserved better, I got really sad when Quackity blew up his UFO because it looked fucking sick and if it was mine I would have cried.

Wilbur - Seems very polite, but also maybe a little unhinged…

Ghostbur -pspsppssps sweet man so polite come back to me please pspspspspspspps come here pspspspspspspss yes I would love some blue now come closer pspsppspspspspss

Revivedbur - Sir please do not fuck this up I’m rooting for you because I know you can do great things please do not make me regret this please sir I believe in you please

Schlatt - Drunk bitch. Fuckin died. L.

Skeppy - Wait what even is your lore? You got corrupted by the Egg at some point but did you do anything after that?? Do you even still EXIST????

Eret - King, Queen, Royalty at its finest, you have tried so hard and I love you for it, also you’re violently gender and kinda pretty ngl so I may be biased but stfu you fucking kill it you funky fucking Herobrine ily <333

Jack Manifold - ON THAT JACK MANIFOLD GRIND! THE JACK MANIFOLD GRIND NEVER STOPS!

Nikki - Babe ily you deserved better, I may be rooting for Revivedbur but if you wanna punch that mf in his undead face I fully support you ily ily ily

Quackity - YOU! YOU!!! FUCKING YOU!!! I’M GOING TO VIOLENTLY ADORE YOU!!! YOU ARE SO FUNKY!!! YOU’RE ONE OF THE ONLY CAPITALISTS I WILL ACCEPT!!! FUCKMAN!!! LOVE YOUR WORK ON ALL THOSE WARCRIMES!!! <3333333

Karl Jacobs - Funky Time lad! Also really pretty. And kinda gender, but only a little bit. Those cool drawings of his old skin that the fandom came up with where he's a weird colorful rubber-hose-armed marshmallow human thing are more gender than what he is now, though.

Hbomb - Furry /pos. Seems nice enough.

Technoblade - BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD! TECHNO NEVER DIES! LOVE ME AN ANARCHIST OLD MAN PIG WHO WILL DESTROY ANYTHING IN HIS PATH! Also Piglin /pos.

Antfrost - Furry /neg. He’s actually fine, but I don't actually have much to say about him.

Philza Minecraft - is quite old, he is married to a woman, which I find interesting. I love him but would also like to punch him, just once. Just one little punch. Nothing super hard, just a little punch. Love ya, Dadza <3

Connor - Sonic Kinnie. I know he has lore but I cannot understand it and only know 1/10 of it so I can't actually say much about him. He seems depressed all the time though, so I feel bad for him.

Captain Puffy - The best Father I have ever seen <3 Also the only semi-fucking-responsible adult??? Like Sam used to be too but then he… yeah… I love her!

Viky - Doesn't exist in cannon I think??

Lazar - Does he exist in cannon either????

Ranboo - YOU!!! You <333 YOUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!! I love you!! You make me a little sad sometimes but also INCREDIBLY happy!! My little hypocrite <3 my little walking contradiction <3 also REALLY gender, VIOLENTLY so. And Enderman /very pos.

Foolish - I like you! I don’t know much about you, but I’m learning more! I like your builds and attitude! Nice man :)

Hannah - I know literally NOTHING about you at all but I want to because you seem so badass and cool holy shit

Slimecicle - FUCKING WEIRD ASS SLUDGE MONSTER FROM THE BEGINING OF TIME???? YES PLEASE!!! SO GENDER!!! SO COOL!!! LOVE!!! LOVE LOV ELVOEKJDENJJW!!!!!!!!!! I love this fucking man <3333333 Filled with bones and meat and not slime at all <333333333

Michael McChill - Dream Stan /neg I don’t know much about this guy, actually, pretty neutral on him.

Michael _Beloved - Nice boy! Very polite! Probably could kill me if he wanted! Good lad!

Michelle - Oh she would whoop my ass. Great and fantastic!

Yogurt - babeyy,,,,,, boi,,,,, come hereee,,,,,, pspspsppspspsspspsp,,,,,,, i love youuu,,,,,,,

Foolish Jr. - Seems energetic and excitable! Good lad!

Finley - Fantastic, wonderful girl!

Shroud - I LOVE YOU. I WILL FIGHT ANY WAR YOU ASK ME TO. I WILL KILL MY FAMILY FOR YOU. SHROUD SUPREMACY. AAAAAAAAAAAA.

Mexican Dream - Eyyyyyy look at he! Look at the he!!! I like he :)))) he’s cool.

Dream XD - Oh so you’re THAT kind of asshole. Love it. 10/10. Also biblically accurate angel inspired designs for this mf??? So gender. Violently gender. Love that shit.

Drista - YOU!!!! ARE!!! SO!!!! COOL!!!! I WOULD KILL AND DIE FOR YOU!!!! LET'S BLOW SHIT UP TOGETHER!!!! CHAOS!!!!! ARSON!!!!! YES!!!!!

Mamacita - p, prett y wom an,,, 

Mumza Kristin - If anyone doesn't like Mumza I’ll cut their body into fourths and burry the pieces under a Denny’s <3 She’s so poggers.

Friend - Friend! :DDD

[cryochronism]

SHIPPING INFO // ANSWER THE FOLLOWING FOR YOUR MUSE SO PEOPLE KNOW HOW SHIPPING WORKS ON YOUR BLOG.

WHAT IS YOUR OTP FOR YOUR CHARACTER?

I don’t have OTP’s, just ships that I dig or might like the possibility/development for! This is also hard to answer since I am a multi lmfao. 

I’ll admit for Locke I have a soft spot w him and Buck or Tanaka. Or both, idfk. Jack and Thane - obvsly Shep’s a solid choice. I kinda ??? contemplate the idea of Jack & Tali bc shotgun ladies. And maybe Jack and Ashley or Vega (or both?) bc... muscle 🤷‍♂️ 

HOW LARGE DOES THE AGE GAP HAVE TO BE TO MAKE IT UNCOMFORTABLE?

I’m not fond of age gaps but in a general sense, within 10 years is my limit. I also realize things can get confusing with long-lifespans/immortality/etc so in those instances I prefer that the younger party is at least 27-30+ where they’re fully matured/developed/independent and are capable of making informed, consenting decisions. In a more specific example, Jack would be the youngest at 24. I wouldn’t have her in a ship with anyone over 34.

HOW FAR DO STEAMY MOMENTS HAVE TO GO BEFORE THEY ARE CONSIDERED NSFW?

I think at any point where there’s undressing or talk of genitals/arousal then it’s nsfw lmao.

ARE YOU SELECTIVE WHEN SHIPPING?

Yeahh lol.

WHO ARE OTHER CHARACTERS YOU SHIP YOUR CHARACTER WITH?

Honestly just surprise me idc. 

DOES ONE HAVE TO ASK TO SHIP WITH YOU?

I’d prefer that yeah. :) I usually don’t push for or initiate ships because I don’t want to make assumptions/overstep things lol. I will say that unless there’s good chemistry or tension between our characters I might decline because I think that’s a basis needed for any fun ship development. 

ARE YOU SHIP OBSESSED OR SHIP MORE-OR-LESS?

More-or-less. I’m particular and admittedly biased towards certain tropes/story beats. I struggle with mindless fluff so nix that. Gimme battle couples and ones that snark at each other (affectionately/loathedly)

ARE YOU MULTISHIP?

I don’t even really have one established ship on here (a few almosts though) lmao but yeah sure fuck it up. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SHIP IN YOUR CURRENT FANDOM?

I’m a sucker for rare-pairs and non-canon ships. This is kinda hard to answer though since I’m in multiple fandoms but I think so long as it’s not toxic/squicky/problematic I roll with it. 👋 I got things I lean towards for my Shep and SoSu but that’s all secret just bc I get self conscious with my OC’s. 🤐

FINALLY, HOW DOES ONE SHIP WITH YOU?

Write with me for one, develop stuff, and idk just ask lol. It helps if we’re able to chat ooc a lot about our characters and diff RP shenanigans. In character-wise: successfully flirt/banter/argue/challenge my muses. They’re all mostly feisty and could use a thrill lmao but again, there needs to be that chemistry between them. Bonus points if they look cute together so they’re more fun for me to draw.  😌

[captainsspnanon]

C2E41 - A Pirate’s Life for Me - rewatch

It’s odd, while the 80s thumbnails are clearly well done and for a good number of episodes, I feel like the thumbnails that I think of when I think of C2 are from the second batch.  Which, like, if we’re going off of most recent for my memories, you’d think that I’d feel like the third batch are the most iconic.  *checks* 1 to 51 are 80s, 52 to 116 are the second batch, and 117 to 141 are the third batch.

I know a lot of people don’t like the pre-recorded episodes, but I don’t mind them.  It means that situations like this, where Travis is late and doesn’t arrive until about 16 minutes in, don’t happen.  I can understand enjoying the realness of it, someone was running late and had to deal with it from that, but I appreciate being able to watch with everyone there.  We don’t have to worry about someone missing because they were sick, or had something scheduled, etc.  I suppose I am ...not ‘biased’ per se, but less impacted, because my first episode watched ‘live’ was the C2 finale, which was still pre-recorded.

Dammit, Taliesin feels poorly lit again.  GIVE MAH BOY SOME LIGHT

oh fuuuuuuuck.  With all the combat from the past episodes, we didn’t get too too much RP, and just hearing Caduceus’s voice again is like INSTANTLY SOOTHING AND MAKES ME HAPPY

oh, never mind.  Tal was just leaning out of the light, now that he’s leaning forward he looks well lit.

There’s something so soft and sweet about Caleb giving Caduceus the Periapt of Wound Closure.  On the one hand, it’s Liam returning an item to Taliesin that he’d initially bought and then lost, and on the other hand it’s a combination of selfishness from Caleb (keep the healer up to keep everyone else [and me] safe) along with manipulation (here’s a bribe to make sure you stay with us) with a bit of genuine caring thrown in (you’ve been distressed and I want to help make things easier for you because I care).

I also forgot how much Caduceus sticking with them at the beginning really came from a place of ‘my goddess said so, so I have to even though it sucks’. I remembered that he started that way, but I had thought by now that he’d reached a point of sticking because he wanted to, not because he felt like he had to.  I wonder when it switches, if it is while they’re still on the sea, or if it’s later in Xhorhas.  Not later than that, I’m sure.

(whenever Taliesin has patterns shaved into the sides of his hair, I always think he looks dashing as fuck)

Cad’s little speech to Caleb about how he sees a destiny for him is both sweet and powerful, and then to have Caleb immediately change the topic back to how the Periapt works, whether due to self-consciousness or uncomfortableness, it just makes my heart clench a tiny bit.

I ADORE how Beau is so soft when it comes to owl!Frumpkin.  SHE IS SO SOFT

And I feel like here is where the dead!Sprinkle jokes start coming in earnest.  He’s certainly hit feral as fuck at this point.  Yes, he almost drowned before, but I feel like NOW is where the jokes all start coming it. (which I wouldn’t give up for the world.  I still want a ‘let me die among the stars’ shirt SO MUCH)

(also I love how on Talks when they asked about Sprinkle, Matt refused to answer, and now we know THAT’S HE WAS SITTING ON IT BEING ARTAGAN THE WHOLE TIME. I 100% thought it was a retcon to explain how it was still alive, it blew my mind when he said he planned it from the beginning)

Jester was looking for Beau but couldn’t find her so went to Nott instead.  WHAT WOULD THE FIRST KISS CONVERSATION HAVE BEEN LIKE WITH BEAU????  I’m intrigued, but I’m glad it happened with Nott.  Especially because of the whole Yeza stuff which we don’t ‘know’ yet.  Just adds so much depth to the conversation, having it with someone who (unknown to ‘you’) is married with a kid and only ever had one relationship, compared to with a fuckboi who sleeps around to hide actual feelings.

SAMUEL YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BREAK MY HEART okay I mentioned before that I haven’t really re-watched things outside of a few scenes since seeing it the first time all the way through.  So Nott talking(LYING) about how she doesn’t remember her first kiss with just some random person, all the while her FACE.  HER FACE.  MY HEART.

OH GOD AND MATT’S THE ONLY ONE WHO KNOWS CONTEXT TO THIS.  EVERYONE ELSE IS JUST LOL GOBLIN KISSING (I mean not like that but also the inherent absurdity in the moment) AND ONLY MATT KNOWS AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Everyone’s expressions when Nott is telling Jester to play a little cold after the kiss.  EVERYONE KNOWS THIS IS WRONG.  Marisha and Liam’s faces are the best.  Liam’s just in shock/disbelief, and Marisha is like ‘no the fuck you don’t!’

(then again, the fact that Sam got Quyen to agree to date him by like ignoring her for a few days….so that’s adding a level to this)

In completely unrelated commentary, Travis came in wearing a backwards cap, as usual, but this one was different and then he swapped it out for a normal cap.  I wonder if it was one that works with mocap or something?  Like, why change caps, if the first one isn’t one that you didn’t want to wear for some reason?  I have no clue, and will never find out, but it’s just something I noticed.

LOL at Matt being like ‘it’s a 14 day trip, you have 11 days of supplies’ and both Taliesin and Laura being ‘we got Create Food and Water, yo!’, and then Taliesin going ‘sorry for just fucking over whatever cool thing you had planned because we just cheesed it’ XD XD XD

(also I’m 28 minutes in with already a page and a third typed.  Oh dear, this may be a wordy one)

The fact that boatswain is pronounced bosun is bullshit.  Colonel = kernel my ass. *grumps*

I do like how Fjord is like ‘I have experience with Quartermaster, so I’ll do that’. Dude.  You’re the captain.  (he ends up getting quartermaster while under avantika, but still)

This is not a dig against Matt in anyway, but I never really jived with Avantika’s accent.  It just FEELS like a put on accent, rather than natural speaking.  Which is very rare coming from Matt, where usually everyone feels natural regardless of the accent that they speak in. But for Avantika, it always feels off to me.  I’m not sure if it’s the French accent specifically, because I can’t remember if anyone other than her speaks in the accent.

I love how Orly being a tattooist is something that the fan base came up with (which I’m pretty sure I didn’t know at the time), but Matt made sure that Jester was the first one to see it. XD

The magical tats come up in 41, what episode to they get them?  Yasha gets hers in 109, but she gets hers after the others….84!  So 43 episodes later, tattoos get!  I also really like that it’s only the girls that get them, but I’ll probably talk about it in that episode.

…. “Don’t get hurt, okay?” “Don’t get me hurt” oh it’s funny now but orly does kick it because of them XD  At least they bring him back

oh fuuuuuuuck I forgot that they have to actually be pirates at one point.  :(  I dunno, this feels a lot grosser to me than a lot of the things that they’ve done.  And they’ve done bad things!  But they always sort of have some level of justification for them that can let you see at least why they did it and makes it feel a little less gross, but this is just ‘go do evil’ ‘okay, we do evil’.  Dislike.

Though this is where they get the magic paints, so that’s something.  But still.  

Going through the transcripts for 141, Travis doesn’t even really say that Fjord becomes a pirate, but that he returns to the sea life.  Interacts with pirates a bit, but doesn’t seem to become one himself. Meanwhile, Kingsley is all for being a pirate, and wants to be pirate king (I loathe his ending and I’ll get into that rant in 140 or 141 wrap up, but it’s so fucking unearned and too big and it makes me furious that matt okayed it, and that’s my own issue and so I just headcanon it away and remember that it’s not my game so calm my tits)

wait a fucking second but he doesn’t!!!!  Going through the transcripts!  Taliesin never says that Kingsley becomes the Plank King!  Just a pirate!!!! where the fuck did the whole Kingsley becomes the Plank King come from?????  I swear I remembered it and I hated every second of it, but if he just becomes a pirate and joins the Revelry then that’s absolutely FINE!!!  It’s a perfectly reasonable wrap up which doesn’t just hand him an incredible position of power with no effort put in.  WHAT.

Omg in the span of a few minutes I’ve gone from loathing Kingsley’s ending to being absolutely cool with it!  BUT THIS IS EVERYWHERE IN THE FANDOM. Where the fuck did it come from???  Like, EVERYONE knows that Kingsley becomes the Plank King.  BUT HE DOESN’T.  He doesn’t! And that instantly erases all my issues I had with his ending!

….now I’m fucking exhausted from the emotional journey I just went on.

GOING BACK TO MY ORIGINAL POINT, yeah as much as they joke about become pirates throughout the campaign, none of them actually do it because being a pirate is actually pretty fucking horrible because of the killing/stealing, which even though it’s a morally gray team, they still try to do the right thing.  Aside from Kingsley who does become a pirate but considering the whole ‘doesn’t have alignment’ thing, AND the memory wipe, I can easily see him being totally cool with being a horrible person.  (...that came off as a diss to Kingsley, it wasn’t meant to be.  I just don’t like actual pirates.)

all this kinda sucks though because pirates are awesome?  But only in the case of free-spirited people who sail the sea without being bossed around who dress FANTASTICALLY.  So like, the heavily fictionalized pirates, that the Nein joke around through the campaign about.

….now I’m just going in circles I’MMA SHUT UP NOW.

The Shattered Teeth! Not gonna lie, if there’s a campaign 4, it will be super cool to have it set there.  We know basically nothing about it, and haven’t visited it at all during C1 or C2!

Aw, don’t tease Travis about getting the positions wrong!  He has Jester as boatswain and Cad as navigator, which IS what they initially chose!  He just didn’t update his notes when they changed it.

Huh, I did forget that Avantika made this a choice, rather than a demand.  Well, sort of.  I can’t really see them saying no to a pirate captain GOING well for them, it does feel like a fake choice, so to speak.

Ooooooo.  Whether it was because I’ve already seen this or not (can’t remember my first impressions) I feel like I knew that the Nein were going to have to be the ones boarding.  Judging by Fjord/Travis’s reaction, I think THEY thought that they were letting Avantika do it, not doing it themselves.  That does lend a bit to how he made his decision to give the ‘okay’, if he felt like he could end up being hands off, maybe just glowering in the back or something.

I honestly don’t know why Sam decided to have Nott be full on cannon nut, but I fucking love it so much!  (Special shout out to TheChekov for their fantastic art piece of Veth wanting to fire off the cannons)

I forgot that Fjord ‘threatens’ Nott with the letter he has for the Soltryce Academy. The entire group is, for the most part, very good with not metagaming, but this was just such a smooth insertion that I have to applaud it.  Fjord doesn’t know Caleb’s backstory, he just knows that Nott tried to steal the letter, and told him it was for Caleb. So Fjord has no way of knowing that Nott no longer would want the letter.  And it’s something that Travis would never have needed to bring up, he wasn’t responding to someone else’s RP.  Instead, he initiates something that makes complete sense in game, despite knowing full well out of game that it doesn’t mean anything anymore.  Just, props dude.

SHIPS SO FUCKING COOL

(we just got Nott&Caleb’s plays which is SO EXCITING, a list of Yasha’s flowers and some notes in Ashley’s handwriting [which is still neater than my handwriting], an evil Caleb playlist [though I actually don’t care about playlists too much] WE ARE GETTING FED)

I’m partially surprised that Caduceus is able to intimate so well, but there is an aspect of a really nice person being aggressively nice at somebody really does succeed in intimidating.

GO FJORD GO FJORD GO GO FJORD GO FJORD GO

I have mixed feelings about Caleb’s little add on requiring an intimidation check.  On the one hand, yes, that’s what you do and it needs a check.  On the other hand, Cad has already strongly intimidating, Fjord is there being intimidating, I feel like that means it should have been more an RP moment than a rolling moment.  Because say Liam rolled a nat 1.  How would that failure act out, when two people have already heavily intimidated the group?  Would they still be intimidated but now think that they’re not a threat?  Would it get rid of the previous intimidation?  I don’t feel like a failure here would make a ton of sense, hence the mixed feels.  As it is, it still works with the 11, but I wonder if it was a heavily lowered DC, or if Matt just went ‘shit okay, they don’t get MORE cooperative, but they don’t lose the intimidation they already have’

(an hour and nine minutes in and I just finished three pages.  OH DEAR.  I ramble like a motherfuck)

I like how the original Captain Tusktooth tattoo design was just the mouth.  Googly eyes, not yet described.

You know, I’m really glad that the Nein moved in a more moral direction (ish) after this section.  Like, they’re GOOD at being pirates, sure, and I enjoy watching it, but at the same time I don’t?  Like, it just feels too mean.  I don’t even want to use the word cruel or anything like that.  But it feels sort of like watching an 80s movie where you’ve got the bully character, but the story is focused on the bully character bullying.  ….I don’t think I’m making any sense at all.  I’M ENJOYING THIS AND NOT ENJOYING IT AT THE SAME TIME AND I CAN’T EXPLAIN ANY FURTHER

Considering Kingsley wants to become a pirate, I wonder if there’s part of Taliesin that was disappointed that he couldn’t play this situation with Molly instead of Cad.

Travis and Marisha being so giddily excited when they are able to talk down the guard without having to attack him further MY HEART I MISS TOP TABLE SO MUCH

Controversial comment warning:  I don’t like that the situation is completely being handled and under control and Taliesin goes ‘i’m gonna wander over and see what’s going on’.  It’s a thing that most if not all of the crew is guilty of doing on occasion, wandering into another’s moment, but it’s something that really got to me with Molly and Percy.  It’s not bad all the time, but I feel like Taliesin does it more frequently than the others do, and also at more frustrating moments like this, where it just feels like he wants to jump into a cool scene.  I’m reminded of a scene where Vex and Vax are doing something and it was some sort of an RP moment (can you tell I can’t remember the specifics) and then Taliesin interrupts. One of the twins even says (in or out of character) that Percy wasn’t there and he couldn’t have interjected, so he claims that he could over the earrings (which is almost never how they actually work). Again – it IS something that all of them have done at some point, and sometimes when it’s done it feels natural or realistic, but at times like this moment where it feels like a player just wanting to get in on the cool stuff, it bugs me a bit.  Controversial comment over.

Ah, there are the googly eyes.  All is right with the world now. :)

I have no clue what shirt Taliesin is wearing, but every time he raises his arms enough that I can see the red, it makes me think of Cognouza.

I ADORE that we get Caleb rambling about cats multiple times this episode.  HE LOVES CATS SO MUCH ugh I can’t wait til he gets his moorbounder ALL THE KITTIES

I had to replay what Liam said while Marisha was talking because I couldn’t understand “I’m trying to straight face it but I can’t!”.  I LOVE IT. Liam is usually SO good about not breaking his RP during reaction moments when he’s one on one with another PC, so him breaking multiple times here is WONDERFUL.  I get the same level of delight when Matt breaks during RP too.  (I get a very different but nevertheless delightful feel when Travis breaks during RP, which is the most of anybody at the table but is still delightful!!!)

Oh wow, Beau already knows that she wants the all seeing eye in tribute to Molly.  I didn’t realize Marisha had the concept for so long!

Nott says that Jester will paint dicks and they’ll turn into real dicks and Matt DIES “I DIDN’T THINK THIS THROUGH!!!”

Awwww, the little bit between Matt and Laura.  It’s a little silent ‘thank you’ ‘I love you’ FRIENDSHIP IS SO GOOD MY HEART

I do not remember where they got this shield.  At all.  Ah, wiki reminds me that Nott took it from the yuan-ti with the hydra.  LOL the whole scooting Cad on it and I still completely forgot.

I don’t know if I gave Travis enough credit for how fantastic and nuanced his performance as Fjord is.  This episode really highlights Fjord’s bravado when needed, and now when he’s talking to the Nein, his insecurities come out in force.  The subtleties of the facial expressions and the complete difference in speaking patterns.  It’s so impressive and lends so much more characterization to the PC.  For as much as Uk’otoa was Fjord’s story line, his arc really was overcoming his insecurities and finding happiness in himself.

This is a very subjective thing, but I really feel like serious conversations are handled much better in C2 than they are in C1.  This whole scene between Fjord and Caleb is incredible (though Caleb didn’t quite answer the question and got a little stuck in his head), serious, and played fully straight.  But it didn’t feel overdone or melodramatic.  It felt very realistic, a quiet conversation that needed to happen.  C1 serious conversations, regardless of who was doing them, tended to feel a little ‘overblown’, a little melodramatic, or maybe just a little more heightened I suppose is a good way of putting it.  A little more theatrical, whereas C2 is a little more film-like.

Scenes like this though make me wish that we got more Fjord and Caleb interaction late game.  Though again, it also could just be me remembering the more main pairings and forgetting scenes that they did have interacting. XD  MEMORY LIKE A SIEVE.  IF IT AIN’T IN FRONT OF ME, IT DON’T EXIST XD

(also, I like how anyone paying attention can probably tell when I start watching an episode, when I take breaks and pick it back up again, as I tend to comment a lot more at the beginning then fade off.)

Hmmm.  A lot of time when Matt is the Traveler I can really feel Artagan in him, but this time around it didn’t feel really Artagan-y?  I don’t even know if I could begin to explain why I felt that way.  BUT.  Looking at Laura/Jester’s face really REALLY reminds me of the Talks (after Artagan was revealed, I think, but maybe not) where she talks about how the Traveler was always going to be her best friend, but as the game went on, she found herself getting more fluttery and impacted when he visited, much more of a love or a god visiting than a best friend.  And you could REALLY see it on her face this time around. This wasn’t a best friend visiting, this was someone she worshipped.

(also watching Liam watch her was adorable.  He loves his twinnie!)

Uuuugh.  They’re just arrive to Darktow, and there’s less than an hour left (maybe 40 minutes?) but my focus is SHOT.  Guess I’ll finish this tomorrow then.  OH WELL.

Finishing this now! Have to wait to watch the 7 year episode til tonight, oh well. Shorter reaction for it to, as I’ll be watching it with company, so can’t type up my thoughts during it.  Post either up late tonight, or sometime tomorrow.

As Matt is describing Darktow, I get suddenly distracted with the first really clear shot of Sam’s flask.  What the fuck.  What the fuck.

Oooooo I forgot the implication that Avantika is a cheat!  Jamedi tells her that his payment was 50 less gold than expected.  It’s brushed off as an ‘I thought I counted correctly’, but it’s something that Matt wouldn’t have RPed if it hadn’t been important.  It does make complete sense, she IS a pirate.  Maybe just a small implication that she’s not an honorable one?

Travis is loving all of this so much, until there’s any sort of reminder of stuff that Fjord was supposed to do.  Darktow is wonderful and he’s so thrilled!  Until it’s reminded that Fjord was the one responsible for divvying up the treasure XD

You know, I’m not really sure why in 141, Fjord mentions that they might try to overthrow the Plank King.  He seems pretty chill, tbh.  I like him!

(I have a love hate relationship with Avantika, love to hate her. :)  I’mma miss when she’s gone, she’s a fun antagonist!)

SUCH a good episode. SO good.

@suicidallyreckless

[recreancyrpg]

Under the cut, you will find the sample application for Admin Karli’s role of James Potter.  This sample is just a guideline for where to start - don’t feel as though you have to follow it for your own application. Just do whatever feels right to you and don’t hesitate to ask any questions or check out our application tips.

OUT OF CHARACTER:

NAME & PRONOUNS: Karli (she/her)

AGE: 31

TIMEZONE: CST

ACTIVITY LEVEL: The once a week minimum activity requirement won’t be difficult for me, especially with summer coming up. I work in mental health in education, so I’m about to go on summer break, which is why I made this rp during this time!

ANYTHING ELSE: N/A - bring it on, baby!

CHARACTER DETAILS:

NAME: James Charlus Potter

AGE: 24

GENDER, PRONOUNS, and SEXUALITY: Cis-Male, He/Him, Heteroflexible. So far, James has only dated woman, but now without a partner he’s attached to, who knows what’ll happen? He’s comfortable with giving affection - no toxic masculinity here as he hugs his friends and can be found cuddling them even when they’d rather push him off. While there’s been nothing romantic about it yet, James might be more flexible than he lets on. However, he’s also got stupid straight boy vibes, so he might just be hopeless.

BLOOD STATUS: Pureblood

HOUSE ALUMNI: Gryffindor

ANY CHANGES: Nothing, I wrote it!

CHARACTER BACKGROUND:

PERSONALITY: 

The first thing people often notice about James is that he’s extremely outgoing. He’s often at the center of attention - laughing with people, joking around, enjoying those eyes on him. What people notice less are the moments where he shies away from that - slinks off with his friends to do something he actually cares about. James is really good at staying positive. He’s friendly and charming and a lot of people like him - but there’s only a handful of people he can truly be vulnerable around. Without the Marauders, he likely would’ve grown up with a lot of “friends” but not really any friends. He’s an extrovert-introvert - people only see the one side of him because that’s the side he shows, but he really gains his energy from being around his people. It’s rare for him to truly let someone in but, when he does, they might be surprised to learn what they do about him.

He’s loyal - almost to a fault. Extremely biased towards the people he loves, it’s hard for James to see their faults. This leads him to being overly forgiving to his friends - something he’d done for Sirius after the prank in school, not realizing how hurt he must’ve made Remus feel at minimizing Sirius’ behavior. In canon, James’ trust leads to his and Lily’s demise. Convinced that none of his friends could be the spy, he dies for it - and he’ll very likely have problems within this set-up as well. While others are convinced there’s a spy, James has a hard time believing any of them (except maybe fucking Snivellus) would be that. And he definitely doesn’t think it’s any of his friends. He doesn’t understand why either Sirius or Remus would blame one another - they’re the Marauders! He can be too trusting in that way.

James can be naïve. He doesn’t understand his own privilege, while also relying on that privilege. Because of this, he didn’t listen when Lily said he had something to worry about with dating her. He’d thought it would be fine because he said so. His blood status kept him safe and therefore he wasn’t ready for it when he was captured. 

James is confident, oftentimes nearing arrogance. Having grown up with his expectations and wants met, he assumes he just knows what will happen next. He loves fiercely - holds on tight. It’s sometimes hard for him to let go of something he should let go of. An emotional person, he often wears his heart on his sleeve. This doesn’t make him the best dueler, as he tends to give away his next move to his opponent, but it makes him a good friend. It can also hurt him - when he’s struggling, it’s bad. It takes a lot to make James just shut down, but when he’s sad, it’s easy to tell. Sometimes, his emotions make him impulsive and reckless. 

BRIEF OVERVIEW OF FAMILY: 

(Note: I do not follow the guidelines of Pottermore’s backstory for James or his family.)

Charlus and Akari Potter met late in life, long after Charlus’ years as an eligible bachelor were over. He’d given up, at that point, hopes of finding a suitable wife and had poured himself into his work at the Ministry of Magic’s Department of International Magical Cooperation. He’d met Akari during his work in Japan, her upbringing far from his own, and had fallen in love with her. They were old enough, they’d thought, and decided not to wait. Married within just a few short months, Charlus had taken her back to England with him to live at the Potter Estate, tearing her away from her country, her entire family, and all she’d ever known. With him working and her at home, it wasn’t long before their first – and only – son was born. It had been a hard pregnancy due to Akari’s age and the healer recommended against trying for a second. It did not matter to either of them – James was enough. A pureblood son who was brilliant and charming and handsome rolled into one.

James had a rather lonely childhood, however. Living without close neighbors and with all of his parents’ friends having kids much older than him, James found ways to pass the time on his own. His mother taught him from home, where he learned the basics, such as how to read, write, and do arithmetic, along with an introduction to magic. She had a spirituality about her that came from a long line of her family back home. She told him about Japanese mythology - how the Gods in the stories valued empathy and emotions, leading to a life where one understands that they are part of an interdependent society. She’d talked of a different sort of importance rather blood status – and his father agreed. Or he’d said he did. It was the more polite thing to do, of course. Prejudices were less becoming in more recent days – what with new laws and rights for muggleborns. Back in Charlus’ day, Hogwarts had barely allowed them into the school, after all. But Charlus could not understand what the whole fuss was about. There had already been changes in the world – why were some groups calling for more?

As James grew older and gained insight from peers, he started to create his own sense of right and wrong. Still, it was hard to see his parents’ faults, especially the father whom he looked up to so much. It’s why he could ignore the subtle look of concern on Charlus’ face when James brought home Lily for the first time after graduation. It was hard for him to believe that his dad might think like some of the people James was fighting against - even if he wasn’t acting on it. Prejudice was hard to combat. The blinders he had towards his father’s own prejudices - though subtle, unintentional - didn’t come down all at once, but rather more slowly. Not even after Charlus’ death (old age and disease didn’t go hand-in-hand), and then Akari following close behind, could truly break it down.

For his own part, the only inkling of prejudice James has really experienced was meeting Lily’s sister and brother-in-law back when they were still together and things were still good. Vernon had stared at James with narrowed eyes, asking him just what he was. Confused, James had answered human, not realizing that the man was talking about his race in a very bigoted way. It was the first time he’d even felt a fraction of what Lily had felt.

It wasn’t until James was trapped in that dungeon below some Death Eater’s house (he’s still not sure where he was being held) that he really examined what led him to get to that point. With nothing but time, James had reflected on the numerous overheard comments about him and Lily - his father’s friends often saying James was just in a phase or commenting on how young wizards often experiment before the real thing. It forced him to consider that maybe his father himself hadn’t been as perfect as he’d thought - that the world was full of prejudices that he wasn’t even aware of. Now that James is out of captivity, he understands things more than ever before, but that doesn’t mean the subtle messages he grew up with aren’t still swimming around in his unintentional actions.

OCCUPATION: 

James is unemployed - or, as he’d call it, a full-time Order member. When his father died, he inherited the vault at Gringotts and it’s enough money to keep himself - and sometimes Remus or other people he cares about - living comfortably. He would prefer to devote himself to the cause, rather than sit at some stuffy job he could care less about. He has no idea what he wants to do after the war (if he makes it; he’s more aware of his own mortality than ever before now) and figures he’ll just cross that bridge when it happens.

LIVING SITUATION: 

James lives in a cottage at Godric’s Hollow. When he’d “died,” his family’s estate had been sold off and the money was placed in his vault at Gringotts since there was no one else that had been established as benefactor. But his family had another location - a smaller, less expensive place in one of the Wizarding World’s hidey holes.

Since he’d been sharing a flat with Lily before his disappearance, he’d said fuck it when she’d broken up with him and moved out, letting her do whatever she wanted with the place. Godric’s Hollow was already there. Good enough for him. It’s scarcely decorated - definitely a bachelor’s pad - but he could care less.

While it’s technically his “home base” of sorts, James rarely spends much time there. He’d never admit it out loud, but being alone feels scary since getting back from captivity. He’d prefer to be where people are - and, more often than not, finds himself crashing on random couches of Order members, despite having enough money to really buy whatever he wanted.

ORDER OF THE PHOENIX: 

Before his disappearance, James was on the up and up of leadership within the Order. He wasn’t the best dueler of everyone, but he was good - especially when fighting next to Sirius. That wasn’t why James had gotten the responsibility to lead missions, however. The older Order members had recognized his ability to bring people together like no one else. Just look at his friends, they’d said. Without James, they would’ve all been floundering, people who might have not belonged anywhere. 

James found strength in rallying members, keeping things positive. His surety made people feel reassured, helped them fight better or agree to things they might’ve not before. He knew they were doing the right thing here - he knew the Order would come out on top, even when things weren’t going well. That confidence helped others sink just a little less, made them more hopeful, and that was just as important as the ability to fight on a battlefield.

Even now, after his return, he truly believes in the Order. While he might not have joined strictly for the cause, he does believe in it - and that desire to stop Voldemort has become stronger than ever as he barely made it back alive. The problem is that, now that he’s back, he no longer really has a place. Where he’d once been a leader, others have taken over - Peter, for instance, where the hell did that come from? - and the older members who had once trusted in James are worried that he’s actually on the brink of breaking. He doesn’t know how to prove to them that he’s fine - he’s ready for more - because there are some days where maybe he doesn’t feel fine at all.

RELATIONSHIPS:

(I’m writing these off the basis of the bios, but anything can be changed with player portrayals, ideas, and through plotting. This is just a basis to start!)

Before his capture, his closest relationships had been with Lily Evans, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew. Lily and him had been fighting, sure - with Lily worrying about their blood status difference and what it might do to him - but nothing they couldn’t work out, James was sure of it. But now, with her digging her feet in on those feelings and going as far to break up with him, it’s much more complicated than that. He still loves her, but he also hates her, and those two things are ever contradicting. His broken heart sometimes leads to him doing stupid shit or saying mean things, but he’d also like her to come to her senses and just be with him again.

At least he still has Sirius. His best friend is ever loyal (there’s a reason his animagus form is a dog) and, while things are going well between him and James, it’s still not the same without the others. Sirius and him always had a bit of different relationship than James had with Remus or Peter - and, since Sirius is always there for him, it still feels solid. But Sirius is also slipping into a place where James can’t follow and he’s taking Lily with him. James will never understand this Dark Magic thing. After all, it’s the same magic that had tortured him for months!

As for Remus and Peter, he’s not angry with them the way Sirius is. But James had unintentionally chosen a side anyway by spending the most time with Sirius. He doesn’t mean to - he still loves Remus and Peter - but he’d come back to this mess! Peter is suddenly busier than ever, while Remus is retreating into his shell. James, who had acted as the glue once upon a time, has no idea how to get them back as a unit.

The Marauders aren’t the only group in his life anymore. Going through torture brings people together and he finds himself sticking with the four other captives more than he’d planned. They understand that things are so different now. He knows the way they sound when they cry or scream or even take a shit, for Merlin’s sake. There’s not much they can’t share anymore. Gideon had been the stable one - the oldest, the calmest, the voice of reason - while James had taken up the role of determined dolt. The hot head who would offer himself up in someone else’s place whenever he could, goad the Death Eater’s into choosing him by making fun of them. Marlene had been the smartest of the group - she’d given them all advice on what to say, how to handle their torture sessions, how to not sink into their own minds. And Emmeline - poor Emme, who had only been in the Order a few short months before being taken. James knows what people say about her - that she’s weak, broken - but fuck all if they think he won’t hex them if he hears them say something about Emmeline to his face. She’s stronger than she looks - she’d survived, after all.

Not everyone understands James, of course. Lily’s people have chosen a side. James always got along with Dorcas Meadowes back when Lily and him were together - and it’s not like they don’t like one another anymore - but Dorcas is definitely Lily’s friend and it shows. And apparently another friend has returned, too. Suspiciously timed, Severus Snape joined the Order shortly after James “died.” James knows exactly what Snivellus is doing - can see right through him, even if others can’t.

There’s also Dirk Cresswell, who James doesn’t know very well, but who had apparently watched Benjy Fenwick die while on search for James - who can’t look James in the eye for some odd reason. James doesn’t know what to make of it all, but Dirk seems like an alright guy. And Caradoc Dearborn, who looks at James as though he’s an idiot, but also is the owner of the best pub in the Wizarding World. Caradoc is one of the members making the decisions, so maybe it would be in James’ best interest to prove Caradoc wrong about him.

OOC EXPLORATION:

SHIPS/ANTI-SHIPS: 

While I have a special place in my heart for James/Lily, I ultimately ship chemistry. This is war and things are stressful and strained - and James and Lily aren’t even together. I’m seriously open to explore whatever feels realistic and right in that moment. James is a free agent right now and I wouldn’t be surprised if he buries himself in someone else, if only to forget about the horrors of his torture and the war as a whole. It could also mean James never finds someone else. I’m here to explore all types of relationships, so I’m not really fussed about the shipping. I just want to see what happens!

INTERPERSONAL STRUGGLES: 

James isn’t James Freaking Potter anymore, but that’s who he’s used to being. People view him differently after his disappearance and he doesn’t know how to make of it. His goal was to get back - and he didn’t really think about what he’d do if things changed after doing so. He hadn’t expected things to be so different. For him to be so different. He’s trying to be the same person he’s always been - and sometimes it’s easy, while other times it feels really fake. 

Without leadership in the Order, he doesn’t know what else to do. He doesn’t have a job - or even a girlfriend or a solid friend group anymore - so the added time he has isn’t good for him. He’s always trying to jump in to help whenever he can, getting angry when people don’t trust him like he used to.

I’m open to James fucking up - for him to making mistakes that hurt others, either physically because of something wrong he does in battle, or emotionally because of something he says. His temper is shorter now than it used to be and he’s pushing any feeling he had about his disappearance to the wayside. If he says he’s okay, then it’ll be easier to actually be okay, right?

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO? 

I made it so that’s what brought me here! What I’m most looking forward to is that exploration of nothing being black or white. Without having the Death Eaters being playable (outside of the spies), there can’t just be a simple “these are the bad guys, these are the good.” I want to see some interpersonal conflicts - especially with James, who is suddenly returned after “dying” and has no idea where he fits. I’m also really looking forward to doing realistic war-related things… such as character injuries, deaths, being taken into questioning, missions, you name it!

PLOT DROP IDEAS (OPTIONAL): N/A. I have plot drop ideas, but I will be saving that for admins duties and official plotlines.

ANYTHING ELSE? Nothing!

[rainbowsky]

More on the Fan Fic issue

I have a few more asks about the issue raised the other day, some of which are long and go into detail on the 'wars' that have been happening on Twitter and AO3.

Sorry for grouping these but I wanted to put it all under a cut because these are long, and also in case people don't want to dig into these issues (which would be understandable).

Anonymous 1 asked:

"I am very strongly of the opinion that the BJYX term is still a fandom umbrella term" I agree. Mainly because Bjyx is the most popular. Many antis always say bjyx, and have no idea the others. So sometimes it's easier just to say bjyx instead of explaining all three. I myself more like "who cares as long as they happy." So I enjoy Yizhan in all contexts. Many bxgs I know also like that, mostly ibxgs. I think deep down all bxgs (no matter which position they prefer) just want Yizhan to be happy

Not sure we can be so certain about that last part, Anon (I think for a lot of people GG and DD are just characters in a smutty story they have in their heads), but I agree about the term being popular regardless of the type of fans people are.

From what I can see the BJYX term seems to be used 80-90% umbrella, 10-20% dynamic in both international and c-social media (for every 10 times you see the term used, only one or two of those usages - probably less - are referring to a dynamic). This is my totally unscientific estimation, but I think even 10-20% dynamic is being generous. The number of people who are fixated on a sexual dynamic aren't nearly as large as they'd like to believe.

Anonymous 2 asked:

about the promptfests - i’ve been on twitter since early 2020 and what i’ve noticed is that this influx bjyx-only promptfests started gaining speed once lots of rational voices started leaving the fandom recently either because a) new interests have caught their attention or b) the toxicity of the popular bxg circles on twitter have become too much to handle.

gdgdbaby was usually the organizer of dynamic-inclusive events, and she’s received lots, and lots, and lots of backlash by bxg, sometimes even by accounts with thousands followers, for using bjyx as a catch-all term. and as her interest in yizhan has since waned—hopefully for reasons unrelated to fandom toxicity—many of the people who were attracted to the welcoming environment she created distanced themselves as well.

zsww/lsfy fans have become an outnumbered circle who try their best to create exclusive events to avoid the “is bjyx a catch-all term” discourse, but never seem to gain as much traction as gdgdbaby (who has a sizeable following) or those who host bjyx-only events (who also have sizeable followings).

meanwhile the dynamic war has only become more and more hostile and bjyx is clearly the more populated group… ao3 is simply a battlegrounds, if i may dramatize the situation a little for the sake of humor, and the promptfests are a reaction to this irritating t/b discourse that has made bxg twitter completely inhospitable for me…and lots of other fans too.

(i’ve also noticed a huge reinforcement as of recently where ppl will call gg laopo, a milf, an omega, etc even outside of rpf (i.e. posting pictures of him at events and saying he looks pregnant or he’s going into heat) and it’s just… uncomfortable.)

(also please note i have a biased account of all of this drama bc many of my friends were harassed over it, and anyone who disagrees with my take may feel free to interject.)

I took the liberty of adding paragraph breaks because they are pretty important for some readers, particularly ND readers like me.

It's sad to hear how fucked up everything has become, but I'm not even remotely surprised. Toxicity leads to toxicity, and the whole idea of dividing up a RP fandom by sex position was misguided from the outset - no matter why it was done or how good the intentions might have been.

And yes, like I said, these people aren't just framing things this way for fan fic. This is how they talk about IRL GGDD.

I had written a lengthy essay here about homophobia in the fandom but deleted it all. Perhaps I'll post it separately at some later point. Suffice it to say that this stuff creates a climate that's often hostile for queer people. So much of it is deeply homophobic, whether people are aware of it or not.

It's really sad to hear about gdgdbaby being mistreated in any way. Anyone who steps up and sticks their neck out to help organize and coordinate activities that benefit a broader group of people should be celebrated and supported, not run out of town by an angry mob.

I've read some of her stories and even have one or two on my rec list. And here's someone who is not only writing good works, but also supporting others to write more good works. Such a shame.

Anonymous 3 asked:

Hello Mr. RBS! I think I can chime in a bit about the fanfic topic as I’ve watched this all unravel on twitter (where a majority of authors/readers are). I apologize if this gets long but it’s been something that’s also been on my mind.

I want to preface this by saying that I’m not a fan of the distinctions of dynamics as, like you said, the supposed line between real life and fanfic is long gone, so I’m not trying to be biased against one group over another.

Short answer to the question of, “is this retaliation?” : I do believe it is. (From here onwards I’ll be using bjyx as the dynamic term just for the ease of simplicity.) To understand why, I’ll have to explain with a bit of background info. On twitter, I’d say that there’s a quite large divide between bjyx and zsww/lsfy. That itself isn’t really a problem because people are free to like what they like and associate with whoever.

However there is a big problem where bjyx people are not just bjyx but also anti-zsww/lsfy. To the point where I’ve seen people say that they feel physically ill when they accidentally read zsww. I don’t think this type of behavior should exist in any dynamic bc in the end GGDD are real people with a real relationship behind this content and it’s just a gross fetishization at that point.

With all this happening, zsww/lsfy people have gotten more outspoken on how GG is often portrayed in those types of scenarios, mainly the over-feminization of him, bc it’s not just done in the context of fanfic but regular discussion of GGDD at this point. This tension between the dynamics kind of boiled over when the pregnant xz fest was announced, as you can take a guess at how that went over with zsww/lsfy people. lol.

But around that same time, another zsww/lsfy event was announced (I’m not sure if it’s the one anon was talking about) but the creator of the event suddenly got a ton of backlash for excluding bjyx, with the reasoning that bjyx is technically a part of lsfy. But the event was done to highlight zsww/lsfy (as all specific events are) bc the community and content for these dynamics are much less than bjyx.

Which is how we come back to the starting point of, is all this recent bjyx stuff retaliatory. I believe so bc the events (preg fest, dark event) are very specific prompts that target exactly what zsww/lsfy people have been outspoken against.

As to the point anon made about trying to drown out the tags, keep in mind that zsww/lsfy content is very minimal compared to bjyx and has only just recently started to gain more traction. I think most people would love to just peacefully exist in their own circles but I don’t see this problem between dynamics disappearing anytime soon.

Like I said with the above Anon, I've added paragraph breaks for ND readers.

What a mess.

I have absolutely nothing useful to say here about the fandom on AO3 and how it's managed by community members, but I do think it's unfortunate that people choose to be war-like rather than make space for diverse voices, and I think it's a real shame that some people have been essentially run out of the fandom because of this garbage.

Thanks for giving some context for how/why the major shift in tone of fan fic lately. I had no idea any of this was going on.

I urge people to work hard to give space for all voices and perspectives, and not just the ones they favor. I'd also urge people to reflect on how their thoughts, behavior and actions in the fandom might affect queer people in the fandom.

As always, we have no control over what other people do, say or think. All we have any control over is how we respond to what other people do, say or think. Hopefully we'll chose the path of peace and try to avoid fan wars or fights that only ruin the experience for everyone.

I guess one thing I'd ask any of the Anons who have written me about this issue - or anyone who has thoughts about it - is, what can we as readers/fans who care about diversity of voices and perspectives do to support that here and on AO3, without getting involved in any kind of war?

[infinitethree]

DSMP Roleswap RP/Ask Blog originally focused on roleswap!Dream, roleswap!Tommy, and roleswap!Purpled; Day, Theo, and Vio. I'm not sure there is a focus any more, given I'll answer most asks provided they're not NSFW.

By the way, things are meta as fuck here; the fourth wall is a two-way mirror, in which the characters are aware it's there but can't quite see through it.

Oh, and you're going to be confused about SOMETHING, even if you've read every single thing that's publicly available. This is intentional. You're meant to try to figure out what the fuck is going on with certain characters by asking them questions.

The format is that they hear the questions as a disembodied voice in their head. Only those who the question is directed at will hear it. The exception to that is the Council, who will hear all questions directed at any of the five of them if they are nearby.

If you want, you can send images to these characters. They appear as popup-like screens in the air that only they can see. They can save and/or share those at will. Use that as you see fit for both wholesome reasons and to sow chaos/discord.

I also am happy to start roleplay threads with just about anyone! Ask first, so we can work out a good way to start. Please note that the one thread that had stalled has had all tags but the roleplay & long post ones removed to make backreading less cluttered. Admin goes by Cocomere, Coco for short, and I use she/her pronouns. Main blog HERE, it's mostly memes and DSMP art. I’m moderately feral for these idiots (affectionate) and also inane bullshit. Want to see that inane bullshit, tag list, more info, etc? Here's a google doc of docs. Check back occasionally; sometimes things get updated. Tag list is also on the sidebar. Not sure who all can be asked stuff? Here's a breakdown of that + more info about the setting. Want to read chronologically (non-app)? Here you go! Looking for the folder of Blood & Gold bonus content? Right here!

Blanket warnings for mentions of torture, violence, and generally very fucked stuff. None of it is planned to really be gone into in extreme detail but those are pretty core parts of several characters' past. Pretty much everyone has some level of PTSD as well, though some are...more extreme than others.

Everyone has some level of grey to them as well as not being omnipotent. Their perceptions of others are biased and can be hypocritical or straight up wrong; the narration may reflect this.

To condense the background into as little space as possible: DayDream more or less lived through canon but minus a grand plan and plus a lot of extra torture. He got a second life via trading his admin access with Time. He spent a long time not saying anything about his first life to anyone ever, but eventually had to come clean. It somehow worked out for him.

Day, Theo, and Vio live in a reformed version of canon referred to as Sanctuary. They’ve been tasked with traveling the multiverse and ‘witnessing, intervening, and rescuing’ in other worlds. Sometimes it’s very fucked up, sometimes it’s just weird. They would like less Protege Tommy worlds, please and thank you.

There are fics for this that actually go into detail about everything. A bit scuffed at the moment, but that's being worked on.

To Mend What Was Broken: s!Purpled, aka Vio, and the journey he and his team take to grab a canon-adjacent server by the throat and demand it become better. Will follow the same major plot beats of the archived/old version, though a fair number of details will be altered.

A (Mostly Benevolent) Server Takeover [Old, Dubiously 'Canon']: Archived version of the fics in which s!Purpled, Vio, teams up with the Bench Trio + Purpled to reform a canon-adjacent world. Major plot points will remain consistent in the new version. Until equivalent fics are uploaded, consider these canon unless contradicted by something later on.

Three to the Infinite Power: Vio, Day, and Theo have to travel the multiverse. They meet some very interesting versions of themselves.

Diversions & Distractions: Side fics, usually focused on the Was-Taken family in some way. Currently of dubious canon-ness. These can easily be skipped without missing much.

Blood & Gold: Bastard lad's bastard backstory! Bastard lad being Daz, a protege Tommy and (unfortunately for him) my favorite. Now complete! MIND THE TAGS.

[scover-va]

Also because you’ve been talking about them recently… any headcanons for the Pony Island gang as a whole? I read your post about the Daemons and you’ve absolutely got my interest (Asmodeus and Buer in particular are such interesting takes).

Good bc my gf and I have developed Buer and Asmo the most (I’m sorry Azazel and Beel but yall are mostly comedic relief rn)

Doing this in order of character appearance (as far as I can remember anyways, I can’t perfectly remember when Baphomet makes their first appearance)

Theodore (the player):

Chronically sad

He misses his family, but also can’t perfectly remember them, so he’s stuck grieving in a confused state

Was a bit of a flirt when he was alive, though p much dropped that shortly after getting with his gf/future wife

He’s a sad drunk

I don’t have much for him, or anything for HS, since my gf plays them, and we’re biased towards Asmo and Buer rn

Lou Natas/Lucifer:

As old as the concept of sin itself

Only started going by Lucifer/Satan after humans nicknamed him that

Souls he wants to take are regular player souls, souls he already has in his possession when the person dies becomes a demon. There’s many different demon jobs

The only demon of his who isn’t a stolen soul would be good ol’ farty mcgee Vallamir

Like I said in my Barry hcs, they dated for a bit. Lucifer’s a gayass

Struggles with issues that he dubs ‘mortal issues’, such as pain of any kind or emotions. He hates it

Made Gamefuna so he could keep making games, though obviously sucks at it

Created three ai’s to aid in game creation, Irving being one of them

The pony in Pony Island, creatively named Pony, is his daughter and he would kill on sight for his kid. All his other kids (the demons, not actual kids they just call him ‘father’ as a respect thing) can go die in a ditch tho for all he cares. Especially Bu-

His sister is as old as the concept of morality, basically being God. I’m taking some basic religious things and moving them a little to the left bc im not fuckin reading the bible so I can go make Lucifer a manwhore /j

Baphomet:

They/Them, very gnc to the point where you cant tell their gender

Sold their soul for infinite knowledge and wisdom, as well as the ability to see into the future

Was like a parental figure to Buer during their time on the overworld map

Baphomet lived back during BC times. I don’t have an exact time as to when they died, but they’re the oldest of the daemons

Killed themself back when they were alive so they could have immortality

The braincell AND the impulse control of the group

Azazel:

Was a party animal when he was alive

Sold his soul for simple power, most likely to have as a cool party trick

Somehow the nice one when compared to everyone else

My gf plays him in the rp so i got NO idea what her interpretation of his death was. Sorry folks

Buer:

Lived back during the black plague

Came from a highly religious family of priests and nuns. His family wanted him to do the same thing but he wanted to study medicine

Only ‘supportive’ relative was his uncle. His uncle was still highly religious, but hey. We’ll get to that later

Had a boyfriend back when he was alive! Gayass

When the black plague started up, he and his bf switched to love letters instead of meeting in person, since Buer decided to become a plague doctor to help with fighting off the plague

Was typically unbothered by all the death around him. He grew used to it

That changed though when a little girl in his village fell ill with the bubonic plague. He didn’t know the kid, but every attempt to help her get better proved to be useless

So, after doing some research, he summoned Satan and sold his soul in exchange for the girl to be healthy

Weeeeeeell the family was then accused of witchcraft, the parents and little girl all burned at the stake. Buer still hears the girl’s screams in his sleep

Went on with his life for a bit, but his uncle found out about Buer’s newfound connection to the devil. His uncle told others, and Buer was soon burned at the stake, too

Lucifer used him as a temporary solution, just someone to guard the third core file while he looked for a better daemon. Buer was none the wiser

Buer’s mechanic would just be that you’d need to wait him out. That’s it. He’d make it impossible to reach the core file via glitchy walls blocking said file, but it drains him of so much energy he kills himself in the process

Obviously, grew resentful and angry when he was replaced. Stayed in the overworld map, only talking to Baphomet

Did take his own life at some point between being replaced and Theodore showing up, but Baphomet brought him back

He’s also severely mentally fucking ill. He uses drawing as a coping mechanism

Beelzebub:

Was a soldier in his past life

His side was losing a war, and he didn’t wanna die. So, he traded his soul in exchange for his side winning the battle

Was later killed on a different battlefield, being dragged down to hell to become a daemon

Living up to his namesake, Beel snacks a lot. His non-file demon form is also based on a fly, since canonical mythology Beelzebub is the lord of the flies

Asmodeus:

He’s albino!

Was born into royalty in the 1600’s

Had a twin brother

When his father fell ill, he and his brother started competing to see who would be better fit for the crown, constantly battling for their parent’s attention

Asmo constantly lost at these challenges. So, he sold his soul so he could be better than his brother

Upon becoming king, he banished his brother so he wouldn’t have to deal with him again

One day before a royal meeting, he came in to do his makeup. Thanks to his poor eyesight, an assassin snuck up on him after Asmo sat down in front of his vanity

Asmo was forced to slit his own throat

Quickly replaced Buer, and hated him because he thought he had to, thanks to the competition thing with his brother

He knows how to sing! Has a low and sultry singing voice

Also had a pet raccoon who was a golden colour names Vanilla. I found this out in the rp last night. I was expecting a cat or something but Vanilla is much much better

He’s a clean freak because he got in trouble once as a kid for making a huge mess and not cleaning it up. Fun

Twink (affectionate)

Aaand that’s all! That I remember, anyways. Would’ve been quicker but wifi isn’t working on my chromebook so I had to type all this up on mobile. Fml

[misssunflowersandsangria]

Heyyyy. Hope you’re doing great 😀 I wanted to ask who some of your fave shikatem authors/stories are? Your taste is amazing from looking at your blog 😍

Nonny!  thank you, i think i have good taste too in animes, couples and people lol 

Yes.  Thank you for giving me the chance to publicly declare my undying love for some incredible people. You’ve probably seen most if not all of them bc they are AMAZING. I’m just tagging their tumblr handles but they’ll all probably have links for their fanfic profiles. Here are my completely incomplete/ biased selections:

@yourdesertsunflower 

I could go on forever about how much i love my fellow sunflower but as incredible as she is as a person she is equally talented as a writer.  her story, analyses, face, all 100% 

@temarihime

my kween.  if the queen wrote it, we must read it.  as far as i’m concerned she is my Temari.  that just makes her stories that much more personal and meaningful.  also her rps with her boo @theonecoolgenius they make Shikatema are real as we are going to get them 

@thespookymoth 

spooky’s stories. there are people who are great readers and people who are great writers.  spooky is both.  my goodness. she is such a supportive member of this community as well as being such a great contributor.  also like if you want consistent updates (which i have never managed to figure out) this is your writer here! 

@ostaranight 

you want to feel something.  she is your girl.  the world building, story lines, all of it just. ah, no way to describe it.  you just have to experience it first hand.

@innocent-dumpling

early on in my writing/posting days innocent dumpling’s stories gave me such inspiration.  literally who i aspire to be when i grow up 

@unioncolours

storyteller is unioncolors’ header and that is a 100% true description.  you want some feels, are you hungry for some next gen content these are the stories for you

@lilacfang

i’ll never find the words to describe how incredible lilac is.  read licas story and you too will agree with me. 

@wargraymon0709

my sweet bb. wargraymons love for shikatem is endless and their ideas/ hc are so unique and original also omg like just a good person

@princess-temari

how just a few hundred words can make you feel especially when they are woven so incredibly 

this list is thoroughly incomplete but brain small and hard to remember.  but start here and it will lead you to some wonderful places. they all (and so many others) deserve all the love, kudos and hugs in the world.  I also recommend checking out @shikatemaweek and @shikatemazine for additional content and contributors that i probably failed to mention.  

Oh. I guess you could read my stuff too haha. 

Go forth! Love you and Love ShikaTema!