#I'm back on this bullshit again

[m-u-n-c-h-y]

Hey, you guys wanna see a cursed ship?

[skeltrr]

[neverbelessthan]

SEVERANCE 2x10 / 1x04 | "Whatever this life is, it's all that we have."

[vaguely-concerned]

I understand and agree with a lot of the frustrations about the shortcomings of Inquisition as a story. but sometimes when I hear people complain about the chosen one narrative in it I do want to just be like... you know it's a deconstruction of the concept more than anything, right. the inquisitor isn't actually chosen by anything except stumbling into the wrong (right?) room at the right (wrong?) time because they like, heard a noise or whatever. or if you think they are chosen, as many do in-universe, that's something you have to take on faith, the maker-or-whoever moves in mysterious ways indeed-style. the Inquisitor isn't actually a Destined Chosen One, they're a Just Some Guy in a fancy hat, self-delusions of grandeur to taste as you'd prefer.

a running thread that goes through all of the personal quests of the companions is the concept of a comforting lie vs. an uncomfortable truth, upholding old corrupt structures vs. disrupting them, and the role of faith in navigating that. (blackwall the warden vs. thom rainier the liar and murderer. hissrad vs. the iron bull, or is that the other way around? cassandra and the seekers -- do we tell the truth about what we find, even if it means dismantling the old order of the world? and so on.) and your inquisitor IS at the same time a comforting lie (a necessary one, in dark times? the game seems to ask) and an uncomfortable truth (we are the result of random fickle chance, no protective hand is held over the universe, it's on us to make a better world because the maker sure as hell won't lift a divine finger to help anyone, should he against all odds exist). faith wielded for political power... where's the point that it crosses the line into ugliness? is it before it even begins? what's the alternative? will anyone listen to the truth, if you tell it?

interesting how you also get a mix of companion agency in this -- you have characters like dorian who ALWAYS choose one side of the comforting lie vs. uncomfortable truth dichotomy. he will always make up his own mind to go back to tevinter and try to dismantle the corruption of the old system no matter what you say, or how you try to influence him. meanwhile iron bull is on the complete opposite side of the spectrum -- so psychologically trapped and mangled, caught in an impossible spiritual catch-22, that his sense of identity is left entirely to you and your mercy. you cannot change dorian in any way that matters; you can be his friend or not, support him or not, but he is whole no matter what. you are given incredible and potentially destructive-to-him power over bull's soul. it's really cool (and heartbreaking) to think about.

this is a game about how history will eat you even while you're still alive, and shape you into whatever image it pleases to serve it, and for all your incredible power right now you are powerless in the face of the gravitational force of time -- of more than time, of History. you won't recognize yourself in what History will make of you, because you belong to it now. you don't belong to yourself anymore and you never will again. the further you were from what it needs from you to begin with, the more you will find yourself distorted in its funhouse mirror. (why hello there inquisitor ameridan, same hat!)

and to me this is so much the core of what Dragon Age is about right from the Origins days -- how and by whom history gets written, the inherent unreliable narration of it all. I hope you like stories, Inquisitor. You are one now.

I do think it's probably still the weakest of the games narratively, and it's hampered by its structure and bloated systems. but I also find it disingenous to say that there's nothing deeper or actually interesting going on with it, thematically. if you're willing to engage with it there is Some Real Shit going on under the high fantasy-tinted surface.

[martyryo]

"How long are you gonna pretend I'm the one tugging on your tie?"

[l4tchk3y]

Rouge hears someone following her... I like the idea Rouge always knows where Espio is even when he's invisible because of her good hearing.

[maifazcomics]

07 - The Chariot: Kiran Estevez

[ID: Kiran is in the Lake House, standing just above the Federal Bureau of Control circular logo drawn on the floor. She holds a shotgun in her hands, and looks focused at the video playing just above the elevator, off-screen]

The Chariot says that if you combine the knowledge of your mind with your heart, you can overcome any challenge. Keep determinated. Six deep breaths.

[goozeghost]

art block a bitch so here's a shiddy traditional doodle of a certain construct while i try to remember how to draw 😔💔😓

got some new lining pens tho so art block fears me. 🤞

[crowdeerdire]

Kel is off to art college and she misses her bf, Cove ╥﹏╥

[samuelwilsonbarnes]

Date is █████. The Winter Soldier successfully returned to Local Base upon completion of Mission ██████. No Witnesses. █ additional casualties. Prepare for wipe and a reconditioning session, and we'll-- hang on. What is that? In his hand. What the fuck is that? Is that supposed to be a cat? Who let him have that?

[carrion-art]

have you ever seen an egg blanket rice bear? they're unconscionably cute

[zvahlne]

WE'RE DOING THIS AGAIN, guys remember when i said laurance would be in the alternates finale because it was coming out on his 10th birthday (may 4th)? laurance was NOT in the finale, but you know who DID have a cameo? dante. and you know whose 10th birthday it is today (july 15th)? dante's. therefore,

LAURANCE ZVAHL WILL BE IN TODAY'S VIDEO

[egophiliac]

I'm trying to avoid getting spoiled so I haven't looked up what's happening in the Jp server's main story, but for my own sanity I need to ask; is the story at a point where we know whether Lilia will get better/survive his almost-empty magic reserves..? Was it a true death flag from the start or only a plot device for malleus' overblot....?

not yet! I do think they're going to get back to it eventually, but -- keeping it as low spoilers as possible -- there's been...let's just say a LOT going on in the meantime.

enjoy 7-6!!! :)

[arkarti]

William studies | Part 06

Twitter: X

[crows-of-buckets]

Rook: I'm really worried about Davrin and Lucanis, they keep arguing with one another... Its very bad Varric, what if it effects them in battle?

Varric, remembering that one time Fenris broke Ander's nose then took a knife in the back for him in the same night: I'm sure they'll be fine kid. They're barely even arguing if you ask me

[dreamymaccready2287]

Pyrrha, after suddenly getting a growth spurt during Beacon: I must say, it is quite nice to be able to lean down and kiss you on the forehead.

Jaune: I'm still confused... I don't know the statistics but the chances of you spontaneously growing taller at this age has gotta be low?

Pyrrha: Oh, do you not... like it...?

Jaune, without hesitation: Absolutely not, it makes me feel safe and protected.

Pyrrha: giggling

Jaune: Ughhh why did I blurt that out you're gonna tease me all day for this...

Pyrrha: But you're so adorable!

Jaune: Damn straight I am!

Pyrrha: Jaune, you and I both know neither of us are straight.

Jaune, grumbling and flushing as he sits down on his bed: Just shut up and cuddle me