#Personality wise yes but strategically

[fragmentedblade]

I've been reading about xiangqi a bit and now I'm even more obsessed with that one video of Jing Yuan

[astrolook]

Degree Theory: Astrology’s Version of Skill Levels (Noobs to Final Bosses) 🎮🌟

You already know your Sun sign, but did you know the degree number it’s at can unlock even more secrets about you? 🤯

Every planet in your birth chart sits at a specific degree (0°-29°), and these numbers add an extra layer of meaning to your personality, strengths, and even life lessons.

Let’s break it down planet by planet—with a fun, no-BS take.

0° – The Cosmic Newborn 👶

"I’m here to start something big."

Planets at 0° act like fresh energy—pure, unfiltered, and ready to shake things up. People with 0° placements feel like pioneers, as if the universe dropped them off and said, "Figure it out!"

🔹 Sun at 0°: You radiate raw, unfiltered main character energy. You’re not here to follow—you're here to lead (or at least dramatically exist).

🔹 Moon at 0°: Your emotions are pure instinct—you don’t just feel things, you ARE the feeling. Mood swings? Nah, mood rollercoasters.

🔹 Mercury at 0°: Words just spill out, whether they make sense or not. Genius or chaotic chatterbox—depends on the day.

🔹 Venus at 0°: You love like a Disney princess—pure, big, dramatic. Also, zero poker face when you’re into someone.

🔹 Mars at 0°: Immediate action. No waiting, no thinking, just punching the gas (and sometimes people).

🔹 Jupiter at 0°: The lucky golden retriever of astrology. You say yes to everything, and somehow life rewards you for it.

🔹 Saturn at 0°: Born responsible. You came out of the womb stressed about taxes.

🔹 Uranus at 0°: You’re the definition of unpredictable. Even you don’t know what you’ll do next.

🔹 Neptune at 0°: You live in your own fantasy world, and reality is just a suggestion.

🔹 Pluto at 0°: Intensity level? Maximum. You were born with a “destroy and rebuild” button.

1°-9° – The Rising Star 🌟

"I’m developing my power."

Planets at early degrees feel like fresh talent in training—raw, ambitious, and figuring things out.

🔹 Sun at 5°: You’re the rising star in your social circle. Humble beginnings, but just wait—you're gonna shine.

🔹 Moon at 3°: Emotional development in progress. You’re learning what feels right and what just feels…ick.

🔹 Mercury at 7°: Brain-to-mouth filter? Still buffering. But your ideas? Gold.

🔹 Venus at 2°: Love is cute, fun, flirty—until you catch feelings, then it’s panic mode.

🔹 Mars at 8°: Your drive is explosive, but figuring out when to stop is the real challenge.

🔹 Jupiter at 6°: Luck works in your favor when you’re brave enough to take risks.

🔹 Saturn at 9°: Learning responsibility early in life, but still finding that work-hard-play-hard balance.

🔹 Uranus at 4°: Experimenting with your rebellious streak, but not fully committing (yet).

🔹 Neptune at 1°: A dreamer who’s just waking up to their spiritual and creative potential.

🔹 Pluto at 5°: Transformation is happening, but it’s not at full power (yet).

10°-19° – The Master of the Craft 🎓

"I know exactly what I’m doing."

Middle-degree planets are strong, balanced, and naturally expressed—not too raw, not too extreme.

🔹 Sun at 15°: Peak confidence. You own your personality like it’s patented.

🔹 Moon at 12°: Emotionally balanced—until someone messes with your peace. Then it’s war.

🔹 Mercury at 18°: Quick wit, great communicator, could talk their way out of a crime.

🔹 Venus at 14°: Aesthetic queen/king. Your love life and your fashion sense? Both on point.

🔹 Mars at 17°: Strategic AF. You know when to strike and when to chill��warrior with a plan.

🔹 Jupiter at 11°: Wise and lucky. Life is a game and you’ve got the cheat codes.

🔹 Saturn at 19°: The mature friend who somehow also enjoys chaos. You handle responsibility like a pro.

🔹 Uranus at 16°: Balanced rebel. Knows when to push boundaries and when to play along.

🔹 Neptune at 10°: Dreams are just clear enough to bring to reality. Manifesting pro.

🔹 Pluto at 13°: Power? Controlled but always present. You scare people (in a good way).

20°-28° – The Old Soul 🦉

"I’ve seen it all, and I’m here to finish the job."

Late-degree planets are intense, wise, and powerful—but also impatient because they’ve been through it all.

🔹 Sun at 25°: You’re a boss, period. No time for games, just legacy-building.

🔹 Moon at 22°: Emotionally deep AF. You KNOW things before people even open their mouths.

🔹 Mercury at 28°: Talks like a professor and a stand-up comedian at the same time.

🔹 Venus at 26°: Love is serious business. No casual dating, just intense connections.

🔹 Mars at 21°: Unstoppable force. You’ve already mastered action—now you’re here to win.

🔹 Jupiter at 23°: Wise beyond your years. You’ve learned all the lessons and now you’re the teacher.

🔹 Saturn at 27°: Life has tested you more than most, but you wear your scars like armor.

🔹 Uranus at 28°: Fully awakened rebel. You break all the rules, but somehow succeed anyway.

🔹 Neptune at 24°: Master manifestor. You make the impossible seem normal.

🔹 Pluto at 27°: Your power is legendary. You were born to make generational changes.

29° – The Fated Degree 🔥 (Final Boss Level of Astrology)

"This energy is my final test."

29° is called the "Anaretic Degree," aka the boss battle of astrology. It’s like cramming for a final exam—the universe is making sure you’ve truly mastered this planetary energy. If you have a planet here, there’s often urgency, intensity, and a feeling of fate around that area of life.

🔹 Sun at 29°: Walking powerhouse. You’ve learned all there is about your identity, and now it’s your final test to own it. Spotlight finds you whether you want it or not.

🔹 Moon at 29°: Emotional sage. You’ve felt it all, been through emotional hell and back, and now your intuition is on god-tier mode. But emotions can feel overwhelming, like you're carrying generations of feelings.

🔹 Mercury at 29°: Brilliant but exhausted mind. Your thoughts race at 5G speed, but decision-making is HARD because you see all the options. Overthinking is your enemy.

🔹 Venus at 29°: Love and beauty master. You’ve seen every possible romantic situation—loyalty, betrayal, passion, heartbreak. Now, love feels fated and no casual flings will do.

🔹 Mars at 29°: The warrior with no off switch. You’ve been in SO many battles (literal or metaphorical) that your go-to reaction is "fight first, think later." But the lesson? Not every war is worth it.

🔹 Jupiter at 29°: Lucky but reckless. You know how to take risks and make big moves, but sometimes it’s too much, too fast. Learning when to pull back is key.

🔹 Saturn at 29°: The old soul who’s been through the wringer. You’ve mastered responsibility, but you might feel like you’ve been an adult since age 5. Final test? Balancing hard work with actual joy.

🔹 Uranus at 29°: Rebel genius. You’ve already mastered breaking rules, revolutionizing ideas, and making history. Now? You need to use that power responsibly.

🔹 Neptune at 29°: Spiritual visionary. You’ve seen through the illusion, lived in your dreams, and touched the mystical. Now, the challenge is staying grounded in reality while keeping the magic alive.

🔹 Pluto at 29°: Transformation overload. You were born into powerful, life-changing experiences. Intensity follows you like a shadow, but your final test is learning to control the fire instead of letting it consume you.

So, What’s Your Degree Number? 🤔

Want to know what your planet’s degrees say about you? Message me for a personalized astrology reading and take a look at my pinned post as well! 🔮✨

Karmic Paths & Soul Purpose: A Complete Guide to the North Nodes & South Nodes in Astrology (13-page report) - $5

Get my full PDF guide for just $5! Payment via PayPal. Once payment is confirmed, I will send you the PDF. It covers North Node & South Node in signs & houses, who you were in your past life, your career, family, love and your relationships in detail. Message me to grab your copy! 🌟

Note : Due to different time zones, I might not reply immediately. Don't worry! Leave me your email address for me to send the password-protected PDF file. Once the payment is confirmed, I will give you the password to access to it.

[reveryfics]

Tony Stark request,

Him and rival male reader? Similar childhood situations, but reader owns a significantly "larger" company/corp.

I love the idea that reader is a (one of the only) Shield funders, so Tony has to be decent.

Power/ability wise, reader either has none (like how Tony just has his suits), or maybe readers father was a major Shield funder, so reader is an enhanced?

If anything specific, this is based off an OC of mine. "Lockjaw". Imagine Cable (x-men), but some rich guy. That's him.

Rival's Gambit

Tony Stark x Male Reader

Summary: Tony gets invited to his rivals latest launch party.

A/N: I'm sorry this took so long, I was trying to think of how exactly to write this.

TW: None?

The invitation arrived on thick, embossed card stock, a stark contrast to Tony's usual digital notifications. It was for the launch party of his supposed "rival," a tech magnate whose name had been plastered across every tech blog and business magazine for the past year. The event promised to unveil a revolutionary advancement, something that, according to the hype, would "redefine the future." Tony scoffed, but a nagging curiosity, coupled with Pepper's subtle encouragement and the tabloid buzz speculating on his attendance, finally nudged him towards a reluctant "yes."

The party was a spectacle of excess, a dizzying display of wealth and technological prowess that dwarfed even Tony's most extravagant events. The venue, a newly constructed skyscraper, boasted holographic displays that shifted and morphed, creating an immersive, if slightly overwhelming, experience. Tony, despite his initial reluctance, played the part of the charming billionaire, offering witty banter and forced smiles to the endless stream of attendees and press who approached him. He felt like a caged animal, every word scrutinized, every gesture interpreted.

He spotted you across the room, a figure of quiet composure amidst the chaos. You gracefully excused yourself from a conversation, your movements fluid and deliberate, and made your way towards him.

"Glad you could make it, Tony," you said, a genuine smile gracing your lips. You tilted your wine glass slightly, the ruby liquid catching the light.

"Wouldn't miss it," Tony replied, his smile a practiced, albeit strained, expression. He was acutely aware of the undercurrent of tension, the unspoken rivalry that the media had so gleefully amplified.

After a few more obligatory rounds of mingling, you managed to corner Tony, just as he was contemplating a strategic retreat. "I'd like to show you something," you said, your voice low and inviting. "In my lab."

Tony hesitated. The idea of venturing into your personal space, a space where you presumably developed the very technology he was supposed to be competing against, was both intriguing and unsettling. But the glint in your eyes, a mixture of challenge and something else he couldn't quite decipher, piqued his interest. And, of course, he was fully aware that the ever-present paparazzi were capturing every moment, a fact that added a layer of theatricality to the encounter.

Your lab was a stark contrast to the opulent party venue. It was a space of focused energy, filled with the hum of machinery and the glow of holographic displays. Tony's eyes widened as he spotted a familiar suit, or rather, the skeletal framework of one, in various stages of completion. It was unmistakably an intriguing design, but with subtle, yet significant, modifications.

You leaned against a workbench, gesturing towards your latest suit. "Unlike you, Tony," you said, a hint of amusement in your voice, "I prefer to keep my identity a secret."

Tony chuckled. "So, you're 'Lockjaw'?" he asked, referring to the enigmatic vigilante that had been making headlines, their identity shrouded in mystery. "Never would've guessed."

The conversation flowed easily, surprisingly so. You discussed your design philosophy, your approach to technology, and your motivations. Tony found himself drawn into the conversation, realizing that beneath the facade of rivalry, you shared a fundamental passion for innovation. As the conversation deepened, you both shared stories of your childhoods, revealing a surprising amount of similarities, a shared experience of being precocious and driven, of seeing the world in a different way.

Eventually, Tony leaned against the desk next to you, a genuine smile replacing the forced one. "You know," he admitted, "I was wrong about you."

You laughed, a warm, genuine sound. "That must have been difficult for a man like you to admit."

A moment of comfortable silence settled between you. Then, you spoke, your voice soft but firm. "Tony, I've been thinking... would you consider working with me?" You paused, your gaze meeting his. "I believe we could do something great together."

Tony's eyebrows rose. He considered the offer, weighing the potential benefits and the inevitable media frenzy. "I'll think about it," he said, a playful grin spreading across his face. "But I'd like to discuss it over dinner."

"Tony Stark asking me on a date?" you teased, a playful glint in your eyes.

Tony shrugged, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Got to keep the press on their toes, don't we?"

[obsessedwhyyes]

The Art of Not Admitting a Thing (1/2)

Summary: You can't help but notice that Gale and Astarion have been acting... differently towards one another lately. Perhaps it's time to investigate!

Alternatively: one simple question leads to some big thoughts!

Rating: T Word Count: 1177 Pairing: Astarion x Gale Content: First Person Gale POV, interview format, mutual pining, yearning, denial of feelings, character study, Gale is bad at feelings, fluff, a teensy bit of angst but not much!

A/N: So here we have my first ever Bloodweave! I am both exceedingly nervous, and very excited about it. I've had ideas in mind for Bloodweave for months, but actually writing these ideas and sending them off into the big, wide world has been a rather intimidating affair. But we're finally doing it! And what better way for me to dip my toe into Bloodweave waters than by being incredibly predictable and writing yet another first person fic?

Chapter 1: "What do you think of Astarion?"

What do I think of Astarion? Well, that's a rather loaded question, is it not? Not that I don't have an answer, of course. No, quite the opposite, actually. I have too many answers, all vying for precedence. Because, you see, Astarion is not the sort of person one can sum up in a single sentiment. He is… how shall I put this? He is an equation with variables that simply refuse to behave. Utterly unsolvable.

Come now, don't look at me like that.

It’s just that Astarion is - well, to put it plainly - a lot. A relentless force of nature wrapped in silk and a layer of his own smugness. He walks into a room and suddenly you're aware of him. No, not just aware - attuned. It's all deliberate, of course. All part of the performance.

Yet, somehow, despite knowing it's all a performance, I still find myself watching.

And it's not just his presence. He's also clever, which is, dare I say, the most irritating thing about him. Not just sharp-witted, but… strategic. He understands people, knows exactly where to sink his teeth. Not just the literal ones - though those certainly warrant consideration - but also the more subtle. A smile, a look, a well-placed word. He plays people like instruments, plucking their strings just so, and I… Well, I have spent a great deal of time telling myself that I, of all people, should be immune to such things.

Alas, I am not immune. 

Which, of course, presents something of a metaphysical conundrum. Feelings, after all, are best understood when dissected. Laid bare and examined like lines in an ancient tome. One does not simply experience something without questioning its nature, its source, its… implications. No, the wise approach - the rational approach - is to study it with the same rigour that one would apply to any magical phenomenon. To categorise it, to determine whether it is genuine or merely some arcane anomaly. A peculiar resonance of the heart, if you will.

And so, in pursuit of intellectual honesty, I find myself studying Astarion with perhaps more dedication than strictly necessary. Any lingering thoughts are purely academic, I assure you. Elminster once told me that understanding the world means understanding its people, and what is Astarion if not a mystery to be unravelled? The way he moves, the way he speaks, the way he wields his beauty like a blade.

… Yes, he is beautiful, but that is besides the point. The point is–

…

I've lost the point.

That's what he does to me, you know. He derails my thoughts. I'm speaking perfectly rationally one moment, and the next, I'm somewhere else entirely, wondering if that grace comes naturally to him. If, behind closed doors, he rehearses those cutting remarks, those honeyed words.

Of course, I’m hardly special in that regard. I’ve seen him turn those honeyed words on just about everyone. He gives people what they want with such artful sincerity that they can’t help but believe him. He doesn’t mean it - not truly. And I would be a fool to imagine I’m any different. The world is his stage, and he is quite the performer.

And yet…

There are things about him. Real things. Beneath those rakish charms. I see them sometimes, in the quiet moments, when he doesn't realise anyone's watching. A weariness. A wariness. He's always aware, it seems. Of every room he walks into, of every person in it, of where the exits are. I recognise that sort of awareness. It's the kind you learn when you have been made someone's pawn for too long. When you've spent years convincing yourself that you're the one holding the strings, only to realise the strings are wrapped around your throat.

It unsettles me.

Dare I say, it even hurts me.

Not that I would ever say so. I doubt he would ever want to hear it. I doubt he would believe it.

And, anyway, it's not as if–

Not as if what?

No, truly, what was I about to say? That it's not as if I care? That would be a lie. That it's not as if I think about him more than I should? That would be another.

Perhaps I should stop talking.

…

You know, there was a time where I thought myself above this sort of thing. I thought I understood love completely. How could I not? I had experienced love in its most divine form - quite literally, in fact. My devotion to Mystra is… was… something transcendent. Something cosmic. I thought that was all love could be. All it should be. That anything less would be settling for a pale imitation of true devotion.

But lately, I find myself wondering if perhaps I’ve been rather short-sighted about the whole thing. Mystra herself appears in many forms; adapts to what her followers need. Perhaps love is similar - not always a grand, cosmic force that reshapes reality, but something more… subtle? The way a person looks at you when they think you aren't watching. The way their voice changes when you say their name. The way they make you feel like you are something more than what you were before. 

But if I did feel something - hypothetically, of course - it would hardly matter. Because what could I possibly offer him? A man who’s spent centuries under the control of another, only to find himself finally tasting freedom… What could he possibly want with someone like me? A wizard with borrowed time, carrying within him a responsibility so great that I am expected - destined - to lay down my life for it?

I’ve seen the fire in his eyes when faced with that which threatens to cage him. That fierce, burning defiance - the look of a man who has faced centuries of servitude and vowed never to be chained again. And what would I be, if not another form of binding? Another tragedy waiting to unfold? No. No, I wouldn’t blame him if he wanted nothing to do with such complications.

And yet… sometimes, I wonder.

If things were different - if I were different… If my fate weren’t already destined to end in sacrifice, would he look at me differently?

If he did - and that’s a big “if” - would I be so willing to accept that fate? To willingly embrace my end, if it meant never knowing what this - what we - might have become?

I was so sure the answer was simple. But then he looks at me, and for just a moment, I feel something I thought was long beyond my grasp. A foolish, reckless thing. It makes me hesitate.

And hesitation, well… that’s dangerous, isn’t it?

But stranger things have happened.

… Perhaps I have rather a lot to think about.

But I believe I’ve taken up quite enough of your time with these philosophical meanderings. No doubt you have better things to do than listen to a wizard ramble about matters of the heart. Besides, I have some rather important reading waiting for me. Something about… well, anything other than this conversation, really.

Masterlist can be found here!

No Pressure Tags: @roguishcat, @davenswitcher, @silverfangmarks, @sparrowbard, @chonkercatto, @stokzr , @trafalgarussy , @asterordinary , @bite-me-tonight , @transparentkittenheart , @vividiana (thank you for being so supportive with this one <3), @bg3-fanfic-reblogs

[loredrinker]

The Role of Freedom and Choice in Solas's Fate

Thinking about choice in general and how the freedom of choice impacts a person's evolution and transformation.  And how each of the endings reflect that.

Veilguard spoilers below - and a long post.

The only ending that truly allows Solas the freedom to choose is the Atonement ending.  

Freedom and Choice are Important to Solas

Solas, a man who fought to free his people from slavery for hundreds of years, values freedom and choice. 

Solas hates ignorance and being mindless - because ignorance is not freedom. 

He's also willing to kill if ignorance has destroyed something he values (All New Faded for Her).  

True freedom involves the ability to make informed choices.  

Wisdom flourishes in freedom - this allows for choices to be made that lead to transformation and change.   

Pride, in contrast, can be rigid, defensive, and resistant to change. When choice is removed, pride can fester because there is usually no space for reflection or growth.  

Take away the freedom to choose, and you start to strip away someone’s humanity.

Allowing choice and agency creates fertile ground for change and shifting perspectives. Which is strengthened through connection with others.

We saw this shift in Inquisition: 

In Trespasser, a high-approval Inquisitor can tell Solas they’ll prove he doesn’t need to destroy the world, to which Solas replies, “I would treasure the chance to be wrong once again, my friend.” He’s open to the possibility of another path, of a different choice. 

I see proof of this shift in Veilguard. 

In Veilguard, he tells Varric that he’s taken precautions to minimize damage and confesses to Rook that while thousands may die, he’s working to preserve as much life as possible.  

Personal opinion: Some people claim that Solas lies all the time - to himself, to others. Yes, he lies, but all the time? I love Solas because he embodies duality. He tells the truth and he lies, but his lies are never straightforward. They’re strategic, carefully worded, lies of omission or half-truths.  Solas invites us to discern for ourselves, to see him through the lens of the story we choose to believe about him. The game acknowledges this duality when (depending on dialogue choices), Solas tells Rook, “I am, after all, remembered as the god of lies, treachery and rebellion.” When Rook responds with, "Depending on the story.” Solas follows with, “And what story shall we tell now?” 

Is Solas lying about having spirits at the ready? Maybe. But we know Solas is friends with spirits (All New, Faded for Her), and he led spirits in battles against the Evenuris, he spoke with spirits trying to convince some to fight back. 

And Emmrich says to Solas: 

So why is it so hard to believe that he did ask spirits to stand by and help?  

Solas admits that while destruction is inevitable, he’s trying to minimize the damage. Yes, it's still morally questionable, but it shows a shift - a choice to preserve life where he can. 

Choices Shape Us 

The good, the bad, and the ugly - Solas’s choices define him. Prideful Solas makes destructive, terrible, morally grey decisions. He tries exerting force over Rook, manipulates, and attempts trickery. He tries to take away Rook’s own choices when it suits him. 

But we also see Wise Solas guiding and helping Rook.

Freedom to choose is complemented by relationships - connections with others that encourage reflection. Just as Solas’s connections in Inquisition helped him reflect and shift, his connection with Rook - a new mirror for him - will also help him shift. The question is, will it be for the worse or the better? 

So We Get to the Endings 

Elgar'nan has been defeated, Rook holds the dagger and now Rook has a choice...

In a Bluesky post, Trick Weekes answered a question on the dagger and highlights Solas' state of mind in relation to the game endings.

 (Here is the original Tumblr post which is a great read) 

With that in mind, let’s examine the endings - and Solas’s mental state - through the lens of choice. 

The "Normal" Ending 

In this ending, Rook has taken the time to help their companions, resolving their issues so they can make meaningful choices and become stronger versions of themselves. This collective strength allows Rook and the team to overpower Solas. However, Rook chooses not to offer a choice to Solas. Instead, they stab him, forcibly binding him to the Veil, against his will.

The image following this ending shows Solas in his Veilguard outfit, falling backward almost like in a spiral. To me this visual conveys a sense of being out of control - surrounded by darkness and a swirling storm. His mind is clearly not in a good place (he refers to himself a god now). Solas is trapped by force, and left in a dark, chaotic state.

The "Good" (Trick) Ending 

The Trick ending is intriguing. What’s interesting is that it’s called a "good" ending, and I think that’s because, in this ending, Solas still makes a choice. 

Rook and the team outwit Solas, forcefully binding him to the Veil once again. However, within this act of force, there’s a small glimmer of hope - Solas chooses to accept his defeat. He bitterly admits he was bested and calls himself a fool. While Pride may have the upper hand here, his Wisdom isn’t completely lost symbolized by the bright background in the final image. 

Though the image shows Solas falling again, he doesn’t appear to be struggling against it in this one. This tells me that, despite his defeat, Solas’s mindset might still have a chance to recover and evolve down the road. 

The "Bad" (Default) Ending 

The bad ending is fascinating to me on a few layers. It's described as the default because it requires the least effort. In this path, Rook neglects their companions’ personal quests, chooses not to help them resolve their issues (which would enable them to make meaningful choices so they can grow, so they can choose their paths going forward.)  Relationships are sidelined, and everyone dies. 

Solas’s state reflects this. He’s snarling, sneering, and fighting, stabs Rook, is consumed by anger, desperation and resistance. Rook chases after Solas as he tries to escape, grabs him from behind, preventing him from moving forward, pulls back on him slightly - then the Fade grabs them - pulling them both back to the Fade.

He becomes what battered him, bruised his being.

And the image following?  Just an image of a memorial.  No peek into Solas' mind, no commentary on it from Varric.  My interpretation? Solas as we know him is gone. We don't know what Solas now exists in the Fade.

And Rook?  Not looking good.  The text following says that this "cost many lives, including Rook and the team". This implies Rook didn't make it. 

This ending triggered a visceral reaction in me.

Rook’s decision not to support their companions means the team is unable to grow, leaving them unprepared to face challenges, weakening their collective strength. The absence of meaningful connection results in a failure to create the unity needed to overcome Solas - and Rook and the team pay the price for this. 

And Solas - without the influence of reflection, compassion, or alternative perspectives from others, he remains trapped in his own rigid mindset. 

The "Best" Ending (Atonement) 

Despite Solas constantly trying to screw Rook over, Rook chooses to turn the other cheek – and offers him another chance.  Rook also holds Solas accountable, reminding him that by tearing down the Veil, he’s taking away everyone else's freedom to choose - because it’s what he wants. 

Solas is reflective here, mirroring the energy he’s met with. Rook’s willingness to forgive (this offering of another path is an act of forgiveness) and to challenge him, continues nurturing the chance for further change, allowing other voices, like the Inquisitor’s and Mythal’s, to influence him as well. 

But the choice is still Solas'.  

And when Solas CHOOSES to uphold the Veil?

In both endings where Solas enters the Fade - whether alone or with a romanced Inquisitor - the Fade is bright. In the solo ending, Solas appears to be taking purposeful steps forward, looking like a wise sage. In the romanced ending, he holds the Inquisitor in his embrace, symbolizing connection. 

Both endings show a Solas looking like he was in Inquisition, a reminder of how his time with the Inquisition mattered. The relationships he formed shaped him, helping him build a foundation to move forward, to shift perspectives in order to make new choices. 

As Solas says to a friend Inquisitor and Rook, “Thanks to you, I see another way.” That realization came because Rook and the Inquisitor reflected that possibility back to him. 

And when Solas chooses atonement, he starts envisioning a better future - a world where the Blight is soothed and even the Titans might have a place. But being forced into the Fade? Who knows how long it might take for him to see that path (if at all), or if the resentment from being forced will taint his perspective. 

The Atonement ending reminds me that people can change, but real change requires freedom, open-mindedness, connections with others and the opportunity to choose. Solas’s transformation happens because he’s given the space to choose his own path - not because he’s forced into it. Along the way, the people who challenged and engaged his Wisdom guided him back to his core essence, allowing him to reclaim his purpose in the end. 

But again, this is just my interpretation (and still evolving).

[highladyluck]

Wheel of Time Season 3 Episode 4 (kind-of-a) Liveblog

FUCK THAT ORB SPECIFICALLY

I think they nailed it.

This is not precisely a liveblog because I'm writing up my thoughts immediately after, but whatever.

My spouse was like 'how are they going to compensate for us having spent less time with the Aiel than in the books, and knowing them less well?' and I think they did a lot to show the stakes of oaths and swords for the Aiel both right before the pillars and during them. I'd be curious to know how it went for non-book-readers!

Some of the mishmash of influences for the Aiel that RJ drew on was aurally and visually referenced in a way it hasn't been previously; the Wise Ones and the 3 silver rings are very aggressively Dune references, but the new stuff includes visual references to Travellers/Roma, Irish accents, and Jewish kippah-esque headcoverings. (Also, as my Jewish spouse said, 'the moving to the desert and then doing war crimes'.) That's only half the stuff that RJ used to make the Aiel, but we kind of already got the Bedouin & Native American influences, and I know there's probably more I'm forgetting. But it's great to see the references spelled out in a new medium.

I also appreciated that the visions were a little more personally emotionally devastating, and tbh given the very late-series developments re: the pillars, I actually think it's ok that Rand got shown stuff from after the founding of Rhuidean, even though it's not strictly canonical. Seeing the immediate aftermath of his birth served an important story purpose and I like that it caused Rand emotional damange. :) It always bugged me in the books that Rand kinda cheats his way through the glass columns since he doesn't have the same cultural upbringing as the Aiel; the trial doesn't test the same qualities or go as hard for him. He's on easy mode. The vision of his parents + the hobbit-y 3 besties addition evoking Mat and Perrin seems specifically designed to increase the psychic damage, which is juicier to watch and makes it more fair.

It made sense that they used Latra as a stand-in for every named Aes Sedai- I forget if that's canonical or not but it makes sense to condense those roles.

I hate how hot the Aiel version of Rand who gets the Sakarnen is. I don't want to think Rand is hot. But that haircut and uniform is really working for me. (Also I love that he's got a boyfriend/husband and did you see their rings??? They looked kind of like the show's Great Serpent rings!)

I love to see the Sharom explode. :D Fuck that orb specifically. Give it the fire exits they never deigned to build in!

I also love how it's really ambiguous whether Mierin actually intended to let the Dark One wreak havoc or not (as it should be!) I lean towards yes, she exploded everything on purpose to serve the DO/herself, but that's my pre-show opinion. She got her Aiel servant out with some pretty portentous words about being with loved ones, and Lanfear likes to say she's strategic about violence (although Lanfear's idea of being strategic or her idea of appropriate violence might not be, uh, baseline.) The big event being supposed to happen the next day is ambiguous- she could have made sure he wasn't inside and then triggered it, or it could have been an accident, either thing is supported. And even the portentous words about being with loved ones could just be her pining after LTT, and that's where all the weight comes from. So I think you can view it either way, and if you come down on a specific side it's because you have a previous opinion/bias one way or the other. Which I think is the right tack for the show to take!

The tattoo materialization was really cool. Honestly, the visuals were very very cool. The pillars were about what I imagined, and I LOVED the silver rings- they were exactly what I imagined and the suspensions were so visually arresting. I wish we'd seen more of the weird semi-AoL-ness of the city, but I'll settle for the Romanesque statue and Avendesora surrounded by like, fancy parking bollards. We already front-loaded the visual modernity of the AoL so it's less necessary to do it in Rhuidean. (That said, I did enjoy the very modern setting where Latra handed over Sakarnen- it looks like the outer edges of a modernist art museum.)

The show did some really effective 'speaking in unison' moments this episode- both the banishing of the dead and the Hirschhorn parking garage oath sounded great, evoked a religious mood, and were genuinely moving.

I also liked that the Laman backstory was shared between Moiraine and Rand- the books never really tugged too hard on the familial connections between all these characters so I'm happy to see Rand reacting to it. It's also funny that Moiraine is the one to steal a cultural artifact from the Aiel* this time, rather than Rand, and that Moiraine gets to get fireman-carried out of the Waste in lieu of Mat. (*To be fair, it did originally belong to the Aes Sedai, so she's not pulling a full British Museum, but my spouse is right that the Aes Sedai are basically the British Museum.)

Again, I think they nailed it and it was a very compelling episode. I hope it wins an award- I'm going to have to make sure I'm a voting member of Worldcon in time to nominate it for the 2025 TV episode Hugo. (2024 nominations are happening soon, or have just happened, I think.)

[a-d-nox]

pac: what happens when you take actions on your dreams?

take what resonates leave what doesn't - nothing is 100% for you because these aren't personalized so please no angry comments or dms about what i am saying not being a good fit for you or that you "don't claim" just keep scrolling if that is the case. be kind, self reflect, and have fun.

last pac/pap: your greatest asset and your greatest hindrance - advice on how you can master what's holding you back

return to the masterlist of pap/pac posts

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pile 1

when you take actions on your dreams, you will find yourself being careful and calculated - some may say hesitant. you could be stagnant because you are trying to decide how to take on your dreams - step into your flow; intuitively guide yourself to what you feel should be done next. you will find that your family is extremely supportive of your dreams. they want you to spend time doing what you love with those who have a shared interest. they may even give you money towards helping you get closer to doing what you wish to. great funds will come out of your endeavors should you take action on them. if you feel like you can't move forward to make your dreams reality - re-strategize. don't give up.

pile 2

so many dreams exist within you. so many possibility for you exist - try not to be impatient (you can't afford to miss steps or cut corners). listen to your intuition, while taking actions to reach your dreams. accept all the possibilities that come towards you - "say yes" should be your motto. remember always "that which excites you is worth the risk". i sense a great partnership can be made between you and someone you will meet (or have already met). beware of greed - try to not be materialistic as you take action on your dreams. nor should you be too hard on yourself - "rome wasn't built in a day"; look beyond the small details and see the big picture. i feel as though your dreams are already in motion - everything is moving quickly, you are closer to being on the path to making your dreams come true than you know.

pile 3

when you take action to make your dreams reality, you will feel victorious. good new will be endless, accomplishments will be constant, your praises will be sang. you work hard and you will receive recognition for doing so. projects will move with ease - every ending presents a new beginning. every dream you reach, you will find yourself dreaming another - you are a dream machine. you will love what you do when you begin chasing your dreams - you are likely invest your time and money wisely too. your charity and generosity will be rewarded. enjoy the dreamscape you've built. you've earned it.

[windvexer]

O ye wise Chicken

I call to thee

For advice on a matter

Harken to me!

So anyways, I have always had incredible luck, my partner on the other hand… let’s say that it’s not the worst in the universe. If you were trying to turn someone’s luck around, who was almost radioactively unlucky, how would you go about it? Thank you for your time and for answering all of our questions, oh wise Chicken! 🙌🏻

Good evening.

For any magical operation where some concept is out-of-order (luck, prosperity, relationships, etc) it's not always helpful to just add in more of the concept (conjure luck, conjure relationships, and so on).

Absence-of-concept is only ever one reason for things to be out of order, and it may be a symptom rather than a cause itself. There are many reasons why any particular concept could be malfunctioning.

Therefore, you've got two options: figure out what is causing the malfunction and then address it, or go in blind with a broad spectrum plan of action.

Divination, probably especially energy reading, can pinpoint why luck is out-of-order. However this may be a tricky read to tackle, and also requires the skill to make a custom plan of action. Also, exploring and thinking is tiring, and it can be easier to just take action.

Any time something is out-of-order - luck, job, relationships, timing, what have you - try a plan of action similar to this one, and see if it helps. You should take careful notes of all the actions you take, because if it doesn't help, you will need those notes to help troubleshoot.

First, an offering to the spirit world. The function is to please helpful spirits and stir them to action; but also to appease unhelpful spirits who may be causing trouble. This offering may be done once, but the ritual should be undertaken seriously, with as pleasing of gifts as can be reasonably offered. Jason Miller has a nice general offering in his book Protection and Reversal Magick, which is a good format to follow.

No matter what ritual you follow, it is vital to include a portion that explains this offering is being done out of respect to the spirit world, to soothe any tensions, and to supplicate aid from any helpful parties.

Second, a personal cleansing and hex-breaking. A person does not need to have actually been hexed or cursed to benefit from hex-breaking. Find or develop a spell which breaks up, destroys, banishes, or evacuates jealous and deleterious energies from around the unlucky person. In fact, any spell to break the evil eye will likely serve. Perform a personal cleansing before or after (or both) to wash off any last trace of jealousy cast on by another.

Third, a personal amulet generally designed to protect against the evil eye (for some reason I suppose I think this is an evil eye situation), but also against bad luck in general: have it rebuff or turn away these things, sort of like a bumper that will bounce your unlucky person off of misfortune and steer them in a new direction.

(For those not dealing with luck, protect against whatever it is you want to stop - protect against loneliness, for example. Envision that you do not have absence of friendship energy but rather intrusion of aloneness energy. This is not necessarily literal, but it is a thought exercise to help develop strategic plans of action and deploy magic in a greater variety of ways)

Fourth, any spell to conjure what is desired. So for your unlucky partner, any spell to conjure or manifest luck. This can be done either as a one-off spell, or something continuous; if you want to do more magic, then do both. A one-shot spell to get things started and a continuous spell to carry the torch. Explore Allspice for luck spells, as well as any cultural luck charms.

Fifth, engage in cultural rituals to bring about what you desire. For luck, a lucky rabbit's foot, found dimes, numerical clovers, or hung horseshoes are all cultural symbols in these parts; choose one, and invest in it. This is a different kind of magic - folk magic, if you like - that's more about linking and aligning to the whole.

Someone radioactively unlucky is, perhaps, unplugged from the whole. The natural exchange passes around them without touching them. A cultural ritual is an action of reconnection, to indicate they are stepping back into the game. At least, this is what I think.

Anyway if this is all too much, I highly recommend that you, Anon, do not skip #2. Throw in a protection amulet and I expect things might level out.

[iztea]

dy have any tips to make your art look less lifeless? I stare at my rendered digital art and everytime without fail i start to rot from the lack of soul in it

ok first of all, I think you might be judging your art too harshly. The only quite literal soulless art is AI art so as long as you create something, there's soul in it. But I understand what you mean. Honestly, I'm not sure if I'm best suited to answer this since it's something I struggle with myself, but since you asked me, here are my two cents on the matter

A lifeless look in your art may come from two places: a lack of skills or a lack of message/delivery

Skill-wise, there's a looot you can do and improve on : gesture, dynamic poses, more expressive faces, better color language, strategic line expression, shape language, using color theory to better express a certain mood of a piece etc.

i could go into detail for each point but it would take too long so I'll leave it up to you to google and research things on your own ( or you can shoot me another ask if you want me to yap about a certain technical approach and I'll gladly do so)

but honestly, these are just skills and tools that you master in time. A first step is to at least acknowledge their existence. I want to talk more about the second aspect of this issue: intention. The intention behind your art is more valuable than you think. Art can feel soulless if it doesn't send any message, if it's generic, if there's no emotion behind it or if there's nothing to be interpreted. I'm not saying all art should be super deep or profound to hold value of course, but i often feel like this is a rather neglected part when discussing art. We sometimes get so tied up in the technical aspects like rendering or anatomy but the truth is, a general audience (aka the people who will see your art) doesn't give a crap about the technicalities. They judge something at face value and the first thing they look for is the /message/. What is this painting about? Who or what did you draw? The second thing they will look for is connection. When they can relate to the emotion conveyed or the subject matter, the experience becomes more rewarding and engaging. The same applies to the artist. Creating something meaningful and personal often leads to a greater sense of accomplishment. Honestly, skill comes second.

Case in point: why does hyperrealistic art get shit on? It's very impressive technique-wise, yes, you can't deny the artist isn't skilled, but does it express something? Nope, they do the job of a printer which again,. it is impressive but not from an ~artistic pov, just from a skill pov. On the flip side, why do poorly drawn sob stories get so much attention and praise? Because the art triggered a certain emotion (that has overwritten an already untrained eye) and emotions are extremely powerful for humans as we all very well know and it basically makes them ignore or neglect the execution

So, my piece of advice is to draw something that has personal meaning /to you/, that ignites a certain feeling you can't shake ( it doesn't have to be something #deep or sad, laughter and joy are equally valuable so keep that in mind), a certain situation or scenario and I can guarantee your art won't feel as lifeless to you as before. To better express this idea of yours that you now possess, you can now think about the technical side of how you'd express it. For example:

~deliberately messy brushstrokes and textures -> create chaos.

~maybe you're feeling something lovely dovey and soft -> warm colors to express that + brushes with lost edges

~maybe you want to tell a story in a comic format -> focus on calligraphy; shaky lineart gives off the impression of vulnerability; leave whitespaces etc

~something funny? -> goofy facial expressions or lowkey downgrading the quality usually makes something funnier

~Colors ! colors ! colors !!! pretty self-explanatory blues and grays for depression pinks and rainbows for the happy ( or NOT if you're feeling adventurous winkwink)

BONUS TIP: hiding/blocking out/blurring the face of your subject makes the painting feel more immersive. The viewer can relate to the person you're drawing ( "oh he's just like me fr")

There are artists who are insanely skilled but make kinda "boring" art and then there are artists with cool ideas but with maybe an underwhelming execution.

Ultimately, it's a combination of BOTH awesome skills and intentions. Those are my favourite artists. When i find someone who draws something that makes me stare and wonder how tf they drew that while also appreciating how cool the concept is I knoww I hit jackpot. And if they draw fanart of my fave?? bonus points

okkkkkkkkk i yapped for too long sorttyyyyy hope it helped maybe idk

!!!!DISCLAIMER!!!! this is all my personal interpretation and how i view things I'm self taught I've never been to art school or taken any art classes so i might be completely wrong !! take everything with a grain of salt !!

[thenerdofthegroup]

This is so interesting so here are my thoughts:

Wanda didn’t respond how she wanted. There was no fight back, there was no equaling because Wanda is an uptight hero (nothing wrong with that it’s just how she is with morality) that takes everything too seriously (ie an avenger). Agatha most likely did the memory walk, not planning to try and kill her but Wanda wasn’t playing along. She wasn’t getting better. So she doubled down, Wanda took it as a life or death fight, which is what she’s used to, and it turned into such a vicious battle. We talk about Rio playing games (in the same article where it says she plays games with Agatha and I have a whole thing on what she means by that) but Agatha is the exact same, just more strategic I think. She plays a game to get her way and solve the problems but witches know to play along with one another (most are probably more cheeky than battle-y), and only when Agatha is not in the mood does it become bad. Wanda didn’t play, so it became deadly

I still believe Agatha really did like Wanda to an extent. But she realised very quickly she wasn’t a witch. Not in a cultural and personality wise way. She wasn’t fun to spar against so she gave up on that idea. She knew what was best, tried to deliver it in a nice-ish way (epsiode 8) but when she realised the Avenger would only try and defeat her, not realise she was right, she gave up. She got bored, that’s it. Wanda is boring to her. The Scarlet Witch is a being she has most likely worshipped and loved all her life but Wanda as an actual person, in that moment, was boring to her. A goody two shoes. Again, nothing wrong with that it’s just Agatha is so much darker it’s such a stark difference.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Wagatha but I do believe, since this being confirmed, Agatha just didn’t get that spark with Wanda. Not YET. I want them both to reconnect and have a beautiful friendship later in the show that parallels the comics (one of the best relationships between two characters I’ve seen and I love them) but Agatha did not like Wanda by the end of WV. I think she did to an extent, in a ‘If she played along like in the sitcom’, but in reality she knew in that moment Wanda was not at her speed. She could have been, and I really want to learn what she truly would have done with Wanda because I think it’s a lot more than her just killing her or leaving her. I think her original plan was to let her see her memories and then help her. But by the end, Agatha was bored and then she lost and Wanda has now tortured her for, let’s see… 3 years within her mind and taken away the only thing that she loved truly (@trickofthelight compared it to disability and as someone who has some, I could not agree any more and desperately hope the show show’s the full extent of it, pain and everything) she most likely holds an admiration and a love of what could have been, she wants to find her, but she does not hold a lot of love FOR her. Not right now

That’s why Rio makes sense. From everything we’ve seen, she’s the only one that matches her: jokes with her, same personality, plays with her. Yes it’s very unstable but any relationship with Agatha will be. We know at least she is her wife in the past. The most I personally hope for is they get back together, but those are just theorises for more private groups.

But that’s beside the point. I went on a ramble because we finally saw Rio with Agatha in the same frame and I almost cried tears of joy. Either way, this proves agatha LIKES being around people. She has been ostracised by everyone and she does want friends and true lovers etc. She does want to be around others so finding THE Scarlet Witch, she thought she would find another equal to her to play with (which I think is her form of love) but she couldn’t. If Wanda stayed around Agatha and witches for a while maybe she would like her more, but Wanda grew up with heroes and Avengers. She is very black and white and could not see anything past ‘if she’s against me, she needs to be defeated’.

Agatha likes playing cat and mouse. She likes teasing most but with those she likes she plays a more serious game. I think of it like this: Agatha and Rio are playing a (very sensual) game of chess (which they would probably add stripping to) but Agatha and Wanda were playing Battleships. Agatha was taking the piss and joking as she was winning and when Wanda was about to lose, she smacked the game off the table. Wanda broke the rules. It’s no fun when they break the rules.

Which is why this show is so exciting to me. Without magic others will play with her more. They will still be terrified of her in her more darker moments but ultimately they are on more equal ground so she can make a coven and actually get close to people. She is a very strong character so I’m desperate to see others play along with her, and Rio playing with her too. (God I’m so excited to see Agatha and Rio you guys don’t even know it’s going to be so fun).

This might have been worded absolutely terribly and some part might be interpreted differently then what I mean but… oh well

Anyway, ideas before I do a 10 hour shift. Thank you for listening to my TED talk.

[anime-grimmy]

Sooo, as has been evident from me rambling so often about it, I’ve been reading a lot of Genshin fics lately (specifically Sumeru centered ones), and it is so funny to see how headcanons and AUs change between the releases of the characters. 

Ofc, this sticks out to me especially with Haikaveh cos Kaveh got released so late for showing up so early and ppl ran far with their ideas. One of the biggest theories was (and I think still kinda is) is that Alhaitham is or at least is linked to the Scarlet King bcs his eyes have the same shape as the eye portrayed in the Forbidden Knowledge cutscene.

After the quests came out where you find out about King Deshret’s and the Goddess of Flowers’ relationship, ofc ppl started to push Alhaitham and Kaveh in the respective roles, which, ngl, I totally vibe with. Even more so cos I can only image the Goddess of Flowers with Nilou’s kinda personality (since her outfit is supposed to look like the Goddess) and the thought of her reincarnation still being good hearted beyond believe, yet also a fucking idiot with anger issues is so fucking funny.

However, the theory I personally even more subscribe to, is that both Alhaitham and Kaveh, at least in an design aspect, represent the Scarlet King. I cannot by God find the one vid that talked about it, but they laid out a lot of design specifics that rly did make sense. This ofc, made me think a lot about it too.

Alhaitham could represent King Deshret’s mind and rational side, the part of him that made him a genius and good leader. As much as Alhaitham acts as if he sucks as a leader, which from a personality standpoint might be true, his abilities and critical mind say otherwise. Alhaitham is strategic and very wise for his age, but also curious and ambitious about the knowledge he seeks. He is not without fault either, as, despite him saying he acts only out of self interest, he still does act very arrogantly and above others.

Kaveh on the other hand shows King Deshret’s soul. Clever and curious in his own right, Kaveh seeks out knowledge not only to learn and understand but because his emotions drive him to reach for it. Kaveh has a bleeding heart and follows its voice more often than his mind’s, yet that makes him empathetic to people and care about them, which we know the Scarlet King was known for as well (caring for his people, that is). His emotions and self-sacrificial nature are his crux as well, though, and lead him close to his own downfall time and time again, much as it happened with King Deshret.

Both Alhaitham and Kaveh make up the body. As is evident how haywire the theories went when the Forbidden Knowledge quest came out, Alhaitham’s eyes bear a strong physical resemblance to Deshret’s supposed eyes. Not to mention, we know Deshret is often described as powerful, so I wouldn't be surprised if Alhaitham’s body build is part of that too. For Kaveh, in that one video I mentioned they said that Kaveh’s attire seems to represent some sort of royalty. Also, in a world quest, though I don’t remember which one (i think either aranara or djini) the NPC you travel with says the traveler reminds them of King Deshret, especially the golden hair, which ofc also works for Kaveh.

(Mind you, I havent dived that deeply into Deshret lore and I did zone out during the world quests often, so pls do correct me if I say sth stupid.)

So yeah, the two sides of the same coin. We already know these two have been designed as perfect mirrors to each other, in their ideologies, personalities all the way to their colour schemes, but with regarding the headcanon they’re both aspects of the Scarlet King, it’s also an interesting analogy to think it’s Deshret’s different sides clashing with each other. 

Yes, yes they’re basically the Left Brain Right Brain meme for King Deshret.

Also, as I’ve said, I’ve read my fair share of fics with the Scarlet King reincarnation, which is usually Alhaitham. I am honestly too lazy to write a whole ass fic about it, but you can bet your ass my mind has conjured up enough stuff to fill a few pages. To finally get it outta my head tho, I will just ramble here instead.

I personally don’t think that Alhaitham and Kaveh are reincarnations of Deshret, even though it’d make sense why his body and mind would be two separate entities, as he split himself to avoid spreading more Forbidden Knowledge. I see it more as the two being “blessed” with parts of his soul or something.

Ngl, the whole thing came to me during the one World Quest where you clear up the sandstorm above King Deshret’s Mausoleum and you get to this big platform on top. I dunno, it just looked so cool and it made me think of how this could have been a ritual site or something. So, perfect place for some foreign memories to invade your brain, no?

Also, you cannot tell me the Akademiya wasn’t frothing at the mouth when the Mausoleum finally became accessible. I’d assume they’d send research teams up there after the Traveler cleared the place, and it would seem logical for both Alhaitham and Kaveh to be interested in the place, their respective curiosities spurred by the fragment of Deshret inside them.

They and a small group of scholars take it upon themselves to scope the place out, and eventually end up at the top of the pyramid. Kaveh would marvel at such a grand stage so high up in the air, being able to see into the far reaches of the desert. But he also feels trepidation in his soul, though he brushes it off.

Alhaitham and him conduct their respective researches, Alhaitham jutting down any interesting runes and scripts he finds on the podium, while Kaveh sketches the many columns and the scenery behind, his mind running wild trying to understand how such impossible structures hold. But as he stands at the edge, looking out upon the empty desert with its many ruins, a thought pops into his head.

The desert should not be dead like this.

It’s then that Kaveh feels something shift inside him. Sensations rush over him, the sun beating down on him so differently than just moments ago, the air smelling not of sand and dust but of spices and flowers, the stillness of the desert filled with the distant rush of a city well lived in and people calling him yet not shouting his name.

Kaveh stumbles back to the middle of the podium, only for Alhaitham to meet him halfway. They stare at each other with wide eyes, stare at the other but seeing reflections of themselves. Kaveh bores into Alhaitham’s intense gaze, seeing the many questions and the fierce determination to solve each and everyone of them reflect in those piercing pupils of his, and thinks:

Only a gaze as steeled as mine is fit for a king.

Alhaitham roams his eyes over Kaveh, over his golden hair reflecting the sun, making it almost blinding to look at, over proud shoulders, pushed back to straighten his stance, over calloused hands, twitching in the need to create, and thinks:

Only a presence as loud and vibrant as mine can win over my people.

The spell is broken as fast as it had come when one of the scholars of their group asks for their assistance. Kaveh and Alhaitham busy themselves with helping out the rest of the research group for the remainder of the stay to not let those intrusive thoughts resurface and really just hope that it was some weird hallucination caused by the heat or dehydration or something.

Lucky them, it wasn’t.

And really, all this fancy dressing in the form of a story just to come to the one headcanon stuck in my head:  If both Alhaitham and Kaveh are the Scarlet King, and they were to inherit his memories, I believe they’d experience them differently.

Alhaitham would have tangible memories, thoughts that’d pop into his head unbridled. He’d see the tension between Desert folk and the people of the forest and think “This is not what we fought for.”. He’d run across Cyno, discuss matters of the Akademiya with him and think “As competent and loyal as ever, just as is to be expected of my General.”. He’d meet with Nahida and think “No matter the shape she takes, her wisdom remains the same.”.

Kaveh on the other hand would experience the memories with sensations. He’d witness a fight between the matra and Emerites and be transported to a battlefield, as countless shouts and clanking metal were heard while the unmistakable taste of blood sat heavy on his tongue. He’d look at scholars disassembling a Primal Construct and his hands would itch for his tools while his heart sped up in excitement, even if Kaveh knew his knowledge of such machines was limited. He’d watch Nilou dance in the Grand Bazar and almost buckle under the mix of elation, yearning and unfathomable grief that overtook him.

(it would also be funny the other way around, as in, experience the memories with the parts “missing” from them. Though Kaveh, being the overthinker he is, would have an easier time cos his head is filled all the time with thoughts anyways. Alhaitham would have a real crisis though lmao)

At the end of the day they’d come home to each other, stand face to face and stare into a mirror of themselves, all the while the edges would start to blur and it’d become increasingly difficult to know where one of them started and the other ended.

I dunno where I’d even go with this story, in all honesty. I personally don’t like the kinda fics where King Deshret actually “awakens” and either takes over or integrates into the person he wakes up as. I think I’d push a story like this more into the territory of this experience making the two learn more about themselves and each other. As in, since they both “derive from” the same person, even if they’re steadfast in their own beliefs, they’re kinda forced to actually see from the other perspective as well. While this would probably lead to even more arguments, I believe it’d also manage to blunt their edges and while they still can’t agree with each other, they understand and therefore don’t always go on the defensive with counter points at the ready. 

Tho, if both are considered King Deshret, would that count as self-cest.

[moonyasnow]

All the characters I'd considered shipping my OCs with before I decided

Quick thing bc I'm bored

Not gonna include Lisle bc AroAce and also not Tomoe, since she existed before I decided to put all the others into TWST so shipping for her was just...kinda vibes-based, and not in the good way. Like I'd barely even figured out her character yet

And for Irina, Junia and Artemisia, the reason none of the others were chosen were literally just because their current partner was SO perfect for them I couldn't have gone with anyone else

Irina

Kalim (I think this is one of the more unhealthy relationships she could end up on. Not because he'd treat her badly, of course not; Kalim's just the sort who represses all his trauma (he straight up doesn't remember all the times he's been kidnapped) and I just feel like, paired with Irina, she'd just keep holding all the bad stuff in forever and pretending like everything's ok)

Ruggie (I think this would've been pretty cute. They're still good friends now though...and I honestly think they work better as just friends)

Floyd (Irina still literally had a crush on him before she fell for Malleus, so this one didn't even 100% go away. But yeah the reasons I considered it was because I think they match each other's freak in an interesting way. And Irina also knows exactly what it's like to always go through moodswings, so they can understand each other in that way. ...Irina would've loved the biting and squeezing so much tho-)

Leona (THE BAD TIMELINE. I'm not kidding. These two would in the best case scenario keep each other from improving and in the worst case actively make each other and their issues worse.)

Spike

Silver (literally the only NRC guy I could think of who'd be nice enough to be Spike's type)

Junia

Jade (Giving 'the straight-laced science girl' vibes but genderbent. Clueless autistic and clueful autistic)

Azul (I think it would've been cute bc Junia is the type who is just, so smitten with whoever she likes, and it's VERY obvious. And she'd think he was really really pretty and would love like, sitting in his lap when he scams people)

Veronica

@babyghoul138 :)

Ace (For a while I was actually even gonna go with this one long-term! Even made a meme including the ship and everything. Even started planning out a fankid! But then I realized I'd miscalculated and they just wouldn't work as well together as I thought. And I think Ace is just a bit too rough around the edges personality-wise for Veronica)

Sebek (This could actually have been a reaaaaaally interesting one. The thing that kept me from going with it was just that- Veronica wants to leave Briar Valley after she graduates. And Sebek would never leave Briar Valley. And as much as angst CAN be nice, I prefer it when couples are driven apart by stuff like war or disapproving families rather than just mundane stuff like that. Makes it too real, and just kinda depressing)

Victor

Jamil (Jamitor would be toxic yaoi central. Victor would be SUCH an enabler like 'yes, let's kick that smiling idiot (Kalim) to the curb and put you on the throne! Oh villainy looks so good on you~'. Then with their powers combined they would go on to rule the world.)

Azul (They've got suuuuuuuch similar trauma. And I imagine it'd start out with them 'dating' as like a business arrangement-- being married to each other would be good strategically for both of them and their goals; Azul gets access to a whole noble house's worth of funds and private lands, and Victor gets easy access to some of the best people in business. And then it'd turn into a thing of them both catching feelings realizing just how similar they are and can both relate to each other's trauma. They would also go on to rule the world.)

His ships with someone similar to him just made him too powerful

Artemisia

Idia (I decided not to go with this one 1) because as soon as Artemisia met Jamil I just know he'd be IT for her and 2) Artemidia would just kinda feel like them giving up and deciding to become hermits who don't leave their rooms TOGETHER and that to me was just way too sad)

Leona (They were already kinda friends in the background, and I couldn't stop thinking of the reference potential to Kimba the white lion. And just like with Idia, the biggest reason why not is Jamil.)

[sweet-chimera]

Character Dossier

Basics

Full name: H-0434

Known aliases:Honey Suckle Reject, Mead florere rejecto

Age: 3,219

Gender: Female presenting or Demi-Female (uses she/her pronouns)

Birthcreationdate: April 1st

Heritage: Gladen

Religion: Polytheistic considering gods and deities are real

Sexual and Romantic orientation: Demi/pan sexual and panromantic

Status: Currently a free monster, court officer, in the Miracle territory

Residencies: In the Reject Estate located in Kevin the forever forest

Highest level of education: Greek Gymn school, monster quality assurance training, The Nursery, Godly and royal etiquette training, Greek monster and spartan training

Occupation: Public servant, court officer (she's their lie detector for sentencing)

Physical examination

Facial features: Round eyebrows. Rounded goat nose, tusks protruding from mouth, four sets of eyes (White pupils, usually red and green), 6 distinctive facial stripes

Face-claim: Herself. I draw all my own stuff

Voice: She has a (more mild now) scottish accent and a deep, feminine voice

Voice claim: Bronagh; Sound of the Sea

Eyes: She can have up to 8. All looking like colored rings, in the following colors:

Hair: Old burgandy, dark brown hair with a slightly redish-purple hue

Body type: She is a curvier, larger women with wider hips, and fat deposits on her body (shes had many kids)

Distinguishable Marks: double stripes on her shoulders, a serial number fur pattern in her fur, and 6 stripe markings on her face

weight: 285 lbs give or take

Height: Fluctuates, but remains around 5'7" for the sake of being approachable to most species

Mental Evaluation

Mental illness: PTSD, Hypervigilance around others, Not technically DID but she is a single body housing many creatures mentally, emotional affluency

Psychological profile: ESFJ

Positive traits: Empathetic, perceives needs, practical, caring

Negative traits: Detached, self deprecating, Assigns values based on usefulness

Alignment type: She can not perceive morality but based on action alone, True neutrual or lawful neutrual

Meyer-Briggs Personality type: (S/N)

Phobias: Afraid of technology, Frogs

Mannerisms: One set of eyes will avoid eye contact, one set will stare. Finger taps. Tail buzzing. Frog blinking.

Hobbies and Interests: Horticulture, Potion craft, baking, weaving, national parks, child rearing (yes), Tailoring.

Strategic analysis

Combat style: She avoids fighting at most costs, and if she does get into one (Not relating to damage mitigation or calming down a rampaging friend). Her motto is destroy them, everything they hold dear, and 5 generations of their blood line. Or pawn the problem off on someone else (still usually resulting in death) Since fighting is looked unfavorably upon. But other wise, mid to long ranged attacks with close range hand to hand being for when you want to get messy

Weapon of choice: She personally is a pole arms user, spears and pole axes when its not her magic or body as a weapon

Hand to hand Combat efficiency: Extremely competent considering she spent actual decades in a spartan military against other monsters

Tactical strength: Reconnaissance and small precise strike teams (herself and her parts). Honorable mention being honey potting or espionage

Tactical weakness: Lack of external leader ship, the cold, salt water, lead (lead is the only thing that works on the whole body and not an individual part

Signature technique: Plant, fungus, and moss roots forming spell circles underground and releasing a powerful (long set up) attack without the enemy ever knowing it was being set up.

Pain tolerance: Extremely high to everything but ice and lead. And even then she's willing to turn pain receptors off. (And risk not even registering when her body is beyond the point of no return)

Defensive skills: Classical shield training, turning big, using more hard wood and fiber plants. Running away

Relationships and affiliations

Family: She has 31 siblings. But the most notable are Nectar (the sphinx), Pollen (eastern loong), Heat (Chimera), Rika (Daughter. 100% honey's, but biologically black dragon)

Allies and associates: I haven't discussed relationships with muns that much. I know that shes on familial standing with some muses, but as far as allies or associates. No one really has her loyalty nor do I really have mains like that or overlapping canons with other muns. But from story canon there Persephone, and Queen Mab.

Rivalries: Honey has no one she's in competition with

Enemies: Honey has no one she despises or is on sight with

Romantic histories: Honey has no explicit ships or romantic history with any muses with active blogs. (Like puppy crushes are different from a bonafide ship). But from her Story canon, theres Cerberus, Rika's father, and a few other monsters from history (at least sexually. Romance is stretching it)

Notable friends: Alex, Hax & Eath, Gritt, Hook & terrance, Olgan, Frost, Crowley & Mack, Rachel, Kairi, Heiron, The fizz bots, and I'm sure others I can't think of.

Habits and life style

Daily routine: Honey Wakes up at sunrise regardless of when she went to bed, especially because Rika is Nocturnal and Is going to bed at that time. She makes herself tea and breakfast by 6:00 am or at least an hour after she's woken up which ever is earlier. She'll check on all of her Nymphs and forest creatures. Then she'll go into town to check on her neighbors. Then she'll go into work doing essentially odd jobs for the colony because they haven't had need for the court in ages. Then its the daily shenanigan with what ever muse she's seeing that day, and usually shes back home in time to wake up Rika, feed her, help her with homework and send her off to her training.

Diet and nutrition: She's Vegetarian. And won't eat meat. being part plant. She consumes alot of sugar and needs access to sunlight to feel okay

Exercise habits: most of her exercise comes from Sparring woth some of her coworkers and physical labor.

Grooming habits: She tries to bath no less then once a day. But considering how often shes running for her life or in someones shenanigan it's at a different time each day. Every day her horns and fangs grow to a point so she'll file them down back to being round and non threatening. As well as pluck any flowers Alluria sprouted out of her skin.

Substance use: She doesn't. Unless she's at like a party. But 9 times out of 10. Straight edge.

Sleep patterns: She doesn't unless something puts her to sleep.

Personal aesthetic: Cottage core, little house on the prairie, dark academia

Favorite book: Before the law by Franz Kafka, Frankenstein by Mary shelly

Favorite music genre: Blue grass folk

Favorite Art/Architecture: neo-classical

tagged by: @feelinsheepish and technically @xxlordalexanderxx

Tagging: anyone

[demifiendrsa]

Lost Soul Aside - Pre-Order Trailer | PS5 & PC Games

Lost Soul Aside will launch for PlayStation 5 and PC (Steam, Epic Games Store) on May 30, 2025.

■ About

The wait is finally over. This is Yang Bing, as the creator of Lost Soul Aside, I couldn’t be more excited to share some big news—our action RPG will officially launch on PlayStation 5 and PC on May 30, 2025! What started as a one-person dream (me, a computer, and endless late nights) has evolved into a sprawling adventure full of breathtaking visuals and adrenaline-pumping combat.

Let me take you behind the scenes to explore the heart, soul, and sweat poured into this game. Whether you’re here for the stylish combat or the gripping story, there’s plenty to dive into. Let’s get started!

A World That Lives and Breathes

Creating the world of Lost Soul Aside was like painting with imagination on a sci-fi fantasy canvas. You’ll traverse landscapes that feel alive: sunlit plains, mysterious ancient ruins, and alternate dimensions that buzz with energy. This world isn’t just eye candy—it’s filled with secrets, monsters, and unpredictable events that keep you interested.

But let’s talk about what really defines the experience—combat.

Combat That Packs a Punch

My goal was simple: make combat so fluid, fast, and stylish that you never want to put the controller down. Kaser’s shape-shifting weapon adapts to your combat style. Are you a precise swordsman? A fan of devastating ranged attacks? Maybe you like high-speed mobility? Whatever your preference, the different type of weapons will serve you well.

One standout moment during development was designing the boss battles. The fight with a towering dragon remains one of my personal favorites. It challenges you to juggle aerial dodges, perfectly timed counters, and relentless strikes. Not to mention, it’s a visual feast that feels like being part of your own epic action movie.

Beneath the flashy moves, there’s depth for players who love to experiment. You can customize loadouts, chain synergistic combos, and strategize with Arena, Kaser’s dragon-like companion. His abilities aren’t just support—they’re game-changers, turning tough battles in your favor when used wisely.

From moment-to-moment clashes with enemies to massive set-piece battles, combat in Lost Soul Aside is designed to keep you on the edge of your seat, pushing your skills to the limit while rewarding creativity and precision.

A Story Close to My Heart

While combat takes center stage, Lost Soul Aside also weaves in a narrative about Kaser’s journey of redemption and discovery. As he uncovers the truth about Arena and their shared power, players will encounter a mix of personal challenges and high-stakes conflicts. The story focuses on creating memorable moments and connections, offering surprises without overwhelming the gameplay experience. And yes, there’s plenty of drama, because who doesn’t love a good gasp-worthy moment?

Made for PlayStation

Lost Soul Aside was built with PlayStation in mind, and I’m thrilled about the enhancements we’ve implemented:

Lightning-fast load times – With the PS5 SSD, you’ll transition seamlessly between exploration and combat.

DualSense controller magic – Feel the tension of every blade swing with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback.

4K eye candy – The world comes alive in stunning detail with dynamic lighting and meticulously crafted environments.

PC players, don’t worry—the game is fully optimized to deliver smooth performance and retains all the core gameplay features.

■ Pre-Order Bonuses and Deluxe Edition

We’re excited to reveal the exclusive rewards for those who jump in early:

Pre-Order Bonuses

Kaser’s original outfit from the game’s earliest reveal, giving players a nostalgic look back at how it all began.

A starter pack of in-game currency to help you kick off your adventure.

A bundle of healing potions, perfect for those challenging early game battles.

Get your hands on the standard edition of Lost Soul Aside for $59.99 / £59.99/ €69.99/ ¥7,980 MSRP. There will also be a Digital Deluxe Edition of the game.

The Digital Deluxe edition of Lost Soul Aside ($69.99 / £69.99/ €79.99/ ¥8,980 MSRP) will include the game, all the preorder incentives, as well as Arena’s exclusive golden outfit, three unique weapon fragment skins, two in-game accessories that provide useful boosts for your journey, a Digital Soundtrack and Artbook.

Embark on an epic odyssey to save your sister and the whole of humankind from dimensional invaders in Lost Soul Aside—a stylish single player action adventure RPG.

Chain lightning-fast combos, learn new abilities, and upgrade your weapons as you take on formidable enemies and colossal bosses in fast, dynamic combat.

[thalia-of-ithaca]

Thalia Of Ithaca

“Actually I’m from Athens-“

Shhh…

Age: 22

Gender: “Uhhhh..”

Prns: She/He/They

Mother: Athena “She got frustrated so bad that I came out of her brain. Weirder ways to get born.”

Bisexual. Dresses masculine but will dress feminine from time to time.

knows:

@lethia-not-athena (My mother!)

@ceixion-of-ithaca (Boyfriend…..)

“Why your mother’s brain of all places?”

“Don’t ask me. Maybe she was trying to copy gramps.”

“I have most of my mother’s traits, strategic, good with weapons, wise, blah blah blah. Except for hubris. I’m more loyalty than hubris.”

“Yes I’m a demigod… I don’t have a dad technically but I was raised by one!!”

Personality: Sarcastic, wise, strategic, loyal, caring, just chill most of the time, though she will not hesitate to slash you if needed. Patient and acknowledges that everything takes time. Cunning and extremely intelligent, manipulative, but mostly peaceful.

Distrustful and it's hard to gain their trust. On the contrary, it's really easy to lose it. Although, she is said to be the best friend that you could have.

ADHD and dyslexic.

Voiceclaim: here…

Appearance: basically the pfp? here’s a link on how she would be like. Tho she has gray eyes!!!

She uses spears and swords! Rarely a dagger or bow but she can use those!

She tends to be extremely casual to the Olympian gods and will most of the time insult their power or sass them (Percy style, but like 10x that).

No nsfw chat…

I don’t mean to offend anyone with this GUYS!!

POWERS/SKILLS:

"Possession" (Limited): Capable of viewing the world through an owls/serpent's eyes, as they are Athena's sacred animals. They can use this ability for a multitude of uses such as gathering Intel, spying, or even just for fun. Although this ability is dangerous, if the creature they are 'possessing' were to perish they would lose their sight for a week. But if it were to be harmed, they'd feel the pain of it in their eyes.

Audiokinesis & Memorization: Thalia have minor Audiokinesis. They can memorize virtually anything, whether that be a chapter from a 5,000 paged hard cover, a note from a song that was played 5 years ago, or the sound of a bird. Nothing leaves their memory vault.

Weapon Proficiency: Capable of coming in contact with an item and immediately know exactly how to use that item and what that item is for.

Telumkinesis: Can control weapons, although to a lesser degree than children of Ares.

Craftsmanship: Is a great craftswoman. They can invent weapons and newly discovered objects but to a lesser degree than children of Hephaestus.

Combat Prowess: Thalia is excellent in battle since their mother is the Goddess of Defensive Warfare and Skill. They are a beast when it comes to planning.

She can say something completely silly and to the individual they're talking to it will sound completely logical and smart.

Enhanced Intelligence.

The demigod offspring of Athena possess the unparalleled ability of Cognitive Omniscience, a divine gift that encompasses heightened Situational Awareness (SA). 2) Situational Awareness Mastery:

Contextual Perception: The demigods of Athena are attuned to their surroundings at an extraordinary level. They can instantly grasp the details of any environment, foreseeing potential challenges and opportunities.

Future Insight: Through their divine SA, these demigods can strongly anticipate not forsee future events and make strategic decisions that consider the broader context, akin to glimpses into the future.

Zoolinguism (Part 1): Being connected to the Goddess of Wisdom and War, exhibit a unique affinity with animals, characterized by a combination of intellect, empathy, and strategic understanding. Thalia possess an intellectual communication with animals. They can understand and interpret the behaviors, sounds, and body language of various creatures, forming a mental link based on wisdom and mutual understanding. Their empathy extends beyond mere emotions; it encompasses a strategic understanding of animal behavior. This allows them to anticipate the needs and reactions of animals, fostering a harmonious interaction.

Zoolinguism (Part 2): Is easily able to befriend snakes, owls, roosters, doves and eagles (symbolic for the goddess Athena) to such an extent that they are able to keep these animals as pets. They can also possess these creatures and gain their ability of flying, sight, hard but temporary venom bites etc. In short, they are able to gain all the abilities of these animals and if the creatures they are possessing get hurt the demigod kids of Athena will accurately feel their pain and emotions. Several times they get so close to their pets that they are able to communicate telepathically, and the children of Athena can hear the thoughts of their beloved companions and same goes from the side of the creatures. However, they can accurately feel their emotional and physical pain more. As a result, a lot of them refrain from keeping these creatures as pets because they get so close to them at times, that its' not possible to differentiate between who the animal and master is so they look like crazy people walking on half-blood hill. Also, the goddess Athena prefers her children to maintain some secrecy over their abilities and powers for safety purposes. In fact, a lot of demigods from a multiple number of cabins keep a lot of their powers private to maintain some confidentiality among the other campers who may get envious for different reasons.

Psychokinesis

Telepathy: She has the ability to read minds and the ability to send messages to other people's minds.

Tactical Agility:

They have an uncanny ability to navigate physical challenges with unparalleled agility and grace. Their movements are strategic, allowing them to outmaneuver opponents in athletic competitions or battles

Enhanced Reflexes:

Quick thinking and sharp reflexes define the athleticism of Athena’s children. Whether in a fast-paced sport or a combat scenario, they can react with extraordinary speed, evading obstacles or opponents effortlessly.

Strategic Endurance:

Athena's offspring possess endurance rooted in mental fortitude. Their ability to strategize during long physical endeavors, such as marathons or extended battles, sets them apart, showcasing the fusion of physical and intellectual strength.

Observational Precision: They excel in observing their surroundings with acute precision. This extends to their athletic endeavors, where they can analyze opponents' movements, identify weaknesses, and formulate strategies on the fly.

Death Count: 0

Kill Count: 47

Stab Count: 100+

Stabbed Count: 12 (“I know.”)

Cunning Deception : In competitive scenarios, they can employ cunning tactics to deceive opponents. Whether in a strategic game or a physical contest, they may use misdirection, feints, or unexpected maneuvers to gain the upper hand.

Intellectual Training Regimens:

They develop specialized training regimens that blend physical conditioning with intellectual exercises. This unique approach ensures that their bodies and minds are in sync, maximizing their athletic potential.

Strategic Sportsmanship: They embody sportsmanship with a strategic mindset. They understand when to compete fiercely and when to extend a hand in cooperation, showcasing a balance between cunning competition and honorable conduct. Enhanced Precision in Sports Skills: Whether it's archery, martial arts, or other sports requiring precision, Athena's demigods exhibit an exceptional level of accuracy. Their clever understanding of physics and strategy allows them to excel in activities that demand precision.

Quick Thought.

[greenerteacups]

what are your feelings about Azula? 👀

My feelings are that she gets done kind of dirty in the last season, especially when they lean into the madness arc, and like — I dunno, the whole "she's deranged and hallucinating" thing never scared me or added to her villain mystique. Azula was way scarier when she was cold and calculated and in-control, like with the Dai Li at the beginning of S2. When her mind starts going — as of course it will, she's about to be crowned the head of a sovereign nation at fucking 14, and she's been serving as a child soldier in active-duty combat for at least a year — it makes her seem so weak and sad. And to give the writers their due, the show fully intends this! We get long, intense shots of her crying and accusing a hallucinated version of her mother of never loving her, then accusing herself of being unworthy of love. Something confirmed in her mind by the betrayals of Mai and Ty Lee, who choose Zuko and each other, respectively (which is what Azula thinks her mother did). All of which makes her relationship with her father, an unloving and emotionally repressed fascist dictator, incredibly loaded, because he becomes the only person in her life capable of filling her need for affection. And that's only the beginning of her character. The show ends just as we get to see Azula at her lowest, having tempted us with this incredibly compassionate portrait of someone who's been manipulated into acts of violence.

Is Iroh wrong about the "she's crazy and she needs to go down thing"? Eh, probably not, I guess? Insofar as she's the sovereign of an imperial power, and if she's not apprehended she is most definitely gonna try and go do more massacres and war crimes: yes, because the show's about to end, Azula does need to go down. There's space in the writing of the show for someone to be both redeemable and also probably not redeemable in the time we have left before they hurt a shit ton of people, so they need to oppose her with violence. Fair. But (1) Iroh is himself a flawed character, and my read on that line is he's traumatized himself from failing to stop his brother Ozai before it was too late — something he's afraid of Zuko doing as well; and (2) as a former heir-presumptive to the Fire Nation throne, more decorated of two siblings, prodigious firebender, military genius, and only other person to successfully take the city of Ba Sing Se before being crippled by intense personal loss, I think Iroh sees himself in Azula, and it frightens him. And I think he's guilty, because after Ursa left, he obviously favored and cared for Zuko in a way that gave the kid a makeshift parent, whereas Azula had no one. And I think someone as wise as Iroh would see and feel guilty about that, if not for the act itself then for his inability to predict how a lonely, mean, and talented young girl would internalize abandonment in dangerous ways. All of which weights his judgment in how he handles her as a strategic threat. (Which, at the same time, she very much is.)

What I feel about Azula is that if you take the show finale as the endpoint of her arc, she is an incredible tragedy, and a really compelling remark on how the systems of imperialism and monarchy produce future imperialists and monarchs. I wanted someone in the story — besides her own wish-fulfillment hallucination of her mother — to acknowledge that those systems had failed her.