#actually lore for you tomas

[moinsbienquekaworu]

Hmm absence of creative energy or even just energy entirely... love it <3

[miraculouslbcnreactions]

This thoughts still cooking, so it might not make sense, but I think Thomas (Tomas?) Astruc is a very good case study on how being too attached to your own ideas can hinder your story telling.

I don't mean this in a "Thomas's original idea for the series was bad", but rather that he seems so attached to this concept that he can't stand other people having a differing view from him.

Chloe's the titular example here. Some people thought she deserved a redemption arc, and instead of just saying "nah, I don't think so" and continuing to write her the same way he had been, he had to prove them wrong, prove that his idea was the only correct one, and so turned her into the spawn of Satan and let her rule over Paris for some reason.

Instead of making Marinette less stalker-y, he wrote an entire episode poorly justifying it. And, imao, somewhat diminishing what PTSD actually is and does to people.

I'm not saying he has to make any change (though I think making Marinette less stalker-y would be a good change), but instead of 1.) sticking to his resolve or 2.) taking the criticism, he clung dearly onto this perception of his characters and his writing suffered because of how much he had to twist things to "prove" that his original assertions were right. And also that everyone who disagreed with him was wrong and didn't understand

idk if that makes sense, but the concepts been lingering in my head recently

It makes perfect sense! I've had similar thoughts. It's hard to say for sure, but Miraculous may be a case study in "kill your darlings". I'm not deep into the behind-the-scenes lore and I was not here in the early fandom, but I do know that, at some point, a much darker version of the show was pitched. That's why these exist (image source):

[Image description: two sketches styled like comic book covers. Both have the title "The Mini Menace Ladybug". The left cover shows Marinette's silhouette in a doorway. The door's glass and the glass of a nearby window are broken. In the foreground lies a hand holding a ladybug charm. The hand is limp and surrounded by blood, implying that someone is injured or dead. The right cover is Ladybug doing a spinning kick while looking angry.]

We also have this evidence of the darker original concept:

Jeremy Zag then proposed another project... which he was unable to sell to broadcasters... the project was called "Ladybug". No one was interested, as the project was aimed more at an adult audience... Sébastien had to make sure that the project could be broadcast on Disney and TF1.... Thomas wanted to make a series for adults, but at the time, it was very complicated to make a cartoon for adults. What's more, they didn't have enough money to take on such a project. Sébastien finally agreed, but there were some changes to be made, which Thomas accepted... In the end, Thomas Astruc's entire project was discarded, leaving only the love story between the two heroes and the city of Paris, where the story was to take place.

I've been aware of this darker origin story for a while due to Tumblr and, because of this knowledge, I have often had the thought, "are the writers trying to sneak elements from this darker version into canon?" Because that's the most likely explanation for what's going on here.

If I'm right, then I think that was a terrible move on their parts. They needed to let go of the story that they couldn't sell and embrace the story that they're being allowed to tell. It's why "kill you darlings" is such good advice. Many good stories have been ruined by writers clinging to an idea that ultimately doesn't work for some reason.

It's why the sitcom How I Met Your Mother has such a universally hated ending. The show was originally supposed to go for two seasons and so they wrote an ending that would fit the second season. The show ended up running for nine seasons and, by then, the ending didn't fit, but the writers kept it and left everyone with a bad taste in their mouths, which is not what any writer wants. That's why you have to do what's best for the story even if it means abandoning something that you really love.

This early version of canon may also be why the writers are so obsessed with Marinette. My understanding is that this concept had her mainly acting as a solo hero and, oh look! What is one of canon's biggest problems? Marinette being treated like a solo hero even though she has a partner and, later on, a team!

Not saying that this theory has to be true, just saying that it would explain some things. And if they're poisoning canon by trying to include elements from their darker original? Then it makes sense to assume that they're also doing it for smaller stuff. Like I'm pretty sure I've read that the head writer wanted Chat Blanc to be a lot darker originally, but no one would green light it, so we got an incredibly lackluster episode that spat in the face of the genres Miraculous' is trying to be part of while also falling to have the sort of impact we'd expect from an episode like that. It's a good example of a darling that really should have been killed. It just doesn't fit.

(Totally unrelated sidenote, but is your blog name from Tangled? Because that's what I immediately thought of and it made me smile!)

[freyito]

Can I request platonic Tomas and Bi-Han headcannons with a gn child/teen reader who has difficulty feeling emotions because they were never taught how to process or deal with emotions and the only thing they were told about emotions were to hide them?

This is kinda self indulgent, so I'm sorry if it's kinda specific or weird to you

its alright anon this also lowkey heals the inner child in me BECAUSE THATS ME THATS ME THATS ME TOO. paired with flat affect (and rbf) i had a really hard time understanding emotions in general as a kid!!!! nothing could process properly so i was (and still am) the definition of :l (KACPER LORE!!!)so im slappin flat affect on here as well, if u dont mind anon

cw: gn reader, platonic, proud bi-han, happy tomas, reader is teen (age isnt mentioned however), proofread

ᴛᴏᴍᴀꜱ & ʙɪ-ʜᴀɴ + ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ᴡʜᴏ ꜱᴛʀᴜɢɢʟᴇꜱ ᴡ/ ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴ

-Tomas Vrbada

Tomas comes from a place of sympathy. Perhaps he doesn't quite understand why it's so hard for you to show your emotions, given he's very expressive himself. The most he's experienced is difficult emotions, so he tries his very best not to step over a line.

He's curious and worried, though. He wants to understand you better, and he wants to know just why it is so hard to smile around him.

So, Tomas tries hard to make you smile, any sort of emotion. He'll give you gifts, things he thinks you'll find interesting from his missions, or just try and surprise you in any sort of way. Which always falls short.

He notices that in tense times, or even in times of tragedy you almost seem unsure about how to feel. And afterwards, you almost seem unaffected, in a bad way.

He swallows his pride and just asks you why it's hard to make you emote, why your voice almost lacks emotion. And when you don't have a proper answer, somehow he forms his own answer.

He's kind to you, as much as he will always seek out a reaction, he doesn't think of you any differently. In fact, he's actually determined to teach you how to properly understand your emotions.

He assures you it's okay to cry, happy cry, sad cry, confused cry, whatever kind of cry. Although, not much had come up to render this reaction out of you. He's almost too expressive around you, almost as if he's showing you what to do.

At the end of the day, however, Tomas is sure to help you. Regardless. It doesn't matter if you can only pout now, it's progress. And he's happy. He's actually made it a point to be there during every big step. He finds it so hard to contain himself when he sees you genuinely smile for the first time.

-Bi-Han

Now, Bi-Han understands hiding your emotions. He himself was taught to keep them hidden. But slowly, that had just turned into resentment. So he sees a lot of himself in you.

He'll brush it off at first, he tells himself he doesn't want to get into it. But he slowly convinces himself to come around. He's empathetic, he almost understands every movement you make.

He puts in as much effort as he can, at least, what he thinks is enough effort. As strong as he knows he is, he knows that it's a bad idea to let this evasion of emotion turn into the anger he feels.

Bi-Han sits you down, and talks to you directly. He doesn't tell you his entire story, but he tells you that it's okay to allow yourself to feel and allow yourself to express that. But, he tells you not to force yourself to feel. There's a fine line between those two differences.

He enjoys watching your progress, and just like Tomas, he wants to be there every step of the way. But he's also a bit too prideful for that. So, he's content from watching the sidelines.

Little do you know, he's celebrating those little moments. Behind your back, obviously. He's proud of you. But still too prideful to show that in public. However, he voices this to you. He tells you how proud of you he is when he knows he can have a private word with you.

© freyito, 2023 | masterlist | queue | kofi DO NOT REPOST AS YOUR OWN OR USE FOR AI/AI CHATBOTS.

[thisnameisnotspokenfor]

The bullies have lost hand privileges for the next six months. (Don't worry it's a mallet I just don't know how to draw tools. He's just gonna break 'em like he broke the cat's back.)

I realised mid-drawing that they'd probably get along a little better since Tomas is still alive, so no anti-magic Asha. Ceph is still a little gremlin boi and if he's worse than current Ceph then God help her family.

Seriously, send help. These little goobers are stuck in my mind. How does an AU in an AU get me in a chokehold? I've got like... three comic ideas what am I gonna do?

At least that means more art for you? :3

AWWWWWWW Look at how cute this is! I love your art! <3 ((ngl that's actually kinda terrifying- but I can't say that I don't see Ceph breaking some hands for ASHA ToT (he's done worse, let's be honest)

So funny story- there's gonna be a little lore reveal coming up in some future chapters that I do think more or less confirms that Ceph and Asha would know each other if Tomas and the order were still alive/around.

Hmm, I do actually wonder if Asha would know Ceph by his real name- part of me thinks no, but then it depends on whether or not they meet formally or informally....

[cienie-isengardu]

I feel like if Bi-Han didn't love Kuai or was abusive it would've been stated. It'd also bring into question why Kuai would care to avenge him if he was treating him like trash. It's not Bi-Han is the only person he cares for, Tomas is literally right there. Like Kuai was jumping through hoops for this man and unless Bi-Han was some master manipulator which doesn't fit Bi-Han's personality since Bi-Han makes it really apparent when he doesn't like someone.

Seriously this is the guy who told Quan Chi his plan was insane to his face and Bi-Han's social skills are kind of lacking. You cannot convince me this guy was some puppet master. I'm not saying Bi-Han is dumb but he's not this master manipulator intent of using his brother's emotions.

Also why would he even bother? Seriously Bi-Han's main priority is survival, why would he care to manipulate his brother if he didn't care for him given it's not like he benefits from Kuai being around.

Kuai Liang was introduced as the younger brother of Bi-Han in Mortal Kombat II (November 1993) and their brotherhood has been a vital part of lore for literally three decades now. After such a long time, I too think if alive Bi-Han was ever meant to be seen as the abusive or uncaring brother, the source would outright say so already. Instead Mortal Kombat gives us a conflict between younger Sub-Zero and Noob Saibot, the resurrected yet corrupted by the dark magic version of Bi-Han. A corruption acknowledged by Kuai Liang himself, like he did in Mortal Kombat Armaggeddon:

And even within that conflict between alive Kuai Liang and Wraith Bi-Han, Noob Saibot was not always written as the vile creature out there to kill or hurt his younger brother for fun, which can be especially seen in an alternative timeline[1].

Did Kuai Liang idolize his brother? Most likely yes, as Bi-Han was his closest family he had and with unnaturally advanced ice skills, the older brother rose through ranks to the point Grandmaster acknowledged him as the most cunning Lin Kuei assassins. However it is not like Kuai Liang was completely blind to human Bi-Han’s flaws - the degree may vary from one source to another, like between one of the oldest Mortal Kombat comics (“he was stubborn in many ways”) and Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind (“The dreams. For a long time, I thought the worst thing that I could become was my brother. I was wrong.”). The closest example I can think of in which Kuai Liang outright calling original Sub-Zero to be evil comes from Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm TV animated series (1996) and even then it was said in context of serving the forces of Darkness, not if Bi-Han was abusive brother[2].

Yet within strictly game timelines, Kuai Liang may be angry at Noob Saibot, he may be disappointed by his brother’s (post mortem) choices but as far as I managed to check, he had never accused Noob Saibot of not loving him, or being uncaring or abusive when the man was alive. In contrast, Mortal Kombat 1 (2023) actually gives us Smoke’s accusation that MK1!Bi-Han was always cold to him and though this is not necessarily equal to being abusive, the game hints at an uneasy relationship between those two brothers. I don’t think original and alternative Kuai Liang has ever accused his Bi-Han of anything similar. Quite opposite actually, in MK11 Kuai Liang stated he thought (alive) Bi-Han shared the same values as him - while Noob Saibot noted that Kuai Liang always mimicked him. What may itself imply Kuai Liang's principles were inspired by elder brother.

The source material uses the word “corrupted” specifically to describe Noob Saibot, as to highlight that Noob is not the Bi-Han’s original self. Kuai Liang uses that word, and of all people he is the one that knew the best what kind of man Bi-Han was once. Otherwise I believe younger Sub-Zero would already remark that Bi-Han as an evil Wraith is no different from his human self and so far Kuai Liang did not say anything like that.

This is especially seen in Mortal Kombat 11 (2019) and Kuai Liang’s anger is understandable as Noob Saibot supported Kronika and Cyber Sektor that attacked and killed his clan members. However, as Sub-Zero’s ending shows, when he decided to study each second of Bi-Han’s life to understand what made his older brother the way he was, he tried to understand why Bi-Han’s embraced “Sektor’s corruption” and why "reveled in the vile power given to him by Quan Chi"

not why Bi-Han did not love him, or abused, or manipulated. Those have never been a matter of doubt, only the process of adapting into the darker side of Lin Kuei and life as Wraith . So once again, corruption by power - or even being a merciless assassin, does not necessarily mean Bi-Han was a bad brother. I know that for the majority of fandom one equals the other, however Kuai Liang has never accused Bi-Han of being on purpose cruel or uncaring toward him. If anything, the problem lies in the fact that Bi-Han embraced all the bad things that happened to him. Again, like the ending says, Kuai Liang needed to reshape Bi-Han's life (events) not Bi-Han’s whole character to get back the beloved brother he missed. So the problem did not lie in Bi-Han’s character itself, but in things that happened to him. 

And frankly, there is a lot to say about the fact that Bi-Han rarely speaks about honor in contrast to Kuai Liang, and how in general he is more aware of Lin Kuei’s dark deeds than his brother ever was. The original Sub-Zero seems to be much more disillusioned with how the world works and thus better at adapting to its cruelty. He even warned Kuai Liang in the past to never trust anyone, especially a family, and it is like the opposite act to manipulation. At the same time, Kuai Liang too was accused of having a “frozen heart”.

I think that ultimately it all comes down to what fans want - a tragedy about two brothers that by twist of cruel fate are destined to be enemies or story about a survivor of abuse/pathological system coming in terms of his trauma and realizing his brother was not a good man and building for himself a new, healthier life. Each story has a great potential on its own, however I personally feel that Mortal Kombat has never truly gone with the second scenario. Kuai Liang being blind to his brother and clan’s darkness may make sense when he does not have an outside relationship that made him rethink his own brotherhood with Bi-Han. Yet Kuai Liang, even a much older, experienced man still recognizes Noob as the corrupted version of Bi-Han, not the same man just with a different outfit. Despite all the bad blood between him and the Wraith, he has never truly abbadon hope to save his brother’s soul, so at least to me, it doesn’t sound like a man freeing himself from abuse and trauma by rejecting an evil family. 

And also, if we agree that Kuai Liang was either so indoctrinated by the clan or lacked any other support to recognize the abuse when it happened to him, then the same benefit of doubt should be given to Bi-Han, as he grew up in the same pathological environment. You can’t excuse one survivor of abuse and then condemn the other. The brothers dealt with their trauma in different ways but this is not good victim vs bad victim contest.

As for Bi-Han manipulating anyone... he was introduced in Mythologies: Sub-Zero as the most cunning Lin Kuei assassin and Noob Saibot was too hinted to be smart and biding his time while serving Shinnok, Quan Chi and Shao Kahn. So I believe he could be pretty cunning when needed. But yes, the man doesn't feel like a person bothering with manipulation for the fun of it. Sub-Zero, like all cryomancers in general(?), was a pretty straightforward man. Like I mentioned before, from source material it seems to me he rather kept warning Kuai Liang about not trusting anyone (and he did that as Noob Saibot too in MK11's intro dialogues) than playing on his younger brother’s loyalty. But to be honest, we don't have enough sources to say for sure how growing up in Lin Kuei looked for both.

SIDENOTES:

[1] Sadly, MK11 did not fully utilize the conflict between Redemption (Kuai Liang) vs. Recognition (Noob Saibot!Bi-Han) alluded by the official BIOs and intro dialogues. Frankly, the mentioned game barely did anything with their brotherhood in main story mode, however the intro dialogues paint an interesting take on brothers feelings toward each other, especially Noob’s one toward Kuai Liang, as they differ from original timeline Noob. Back then he was out there “free from compassion” [MK Deception]

and at least twice tried to murder his brother (attack on Lin Kuei/MK Armageddon and Noob-Smoke’s ending/MK Deception), while in the MK11’s intro dialogues for example, he does not side with Frost - who from story mode perspective was the logical ally, as she wanted to kill Kuai Liang. Instead Noob openly dislikes and disrespects her and even criticizes his brother for trusting her in the first place. Similar thing happens with Geras ordering Noob to bring Sub-Zero to Kronika and suddenly Noob goes with his standard “only death are my kin” 

Geras: Bring your brother to Kronika. Noob Saibot: The dead are my clan now. Geras: Do you serve or do you not? 

while he has no problem acknowledging his and Kuai Liang’s brotherhood. The intro dialogues in second timeline definitely played a different angle than Noob as Bi-Han completely stripped of his humanity. And again, sadly NRS did not dwell on it in the main story.

[2] Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm actually referred to events from the Mortal Kombat film (1995), in which Liu Kang killed Sub-Zero thanks to Kitana’s advice to use an element “that brings life”. Even the scene of original Sub-Zero’s death was similar to the one from the movie, minus of course the violence/impaling itself. Yet the film outright stated that Scorpion and Sub-Zero were slaves under Shang Tsung’s power, so in that case, “Bi-Han” wouldn’t be on Mortal Kombat Tournament on his own free will for all we know.  The full dialogue about MK:DotR!Kuai Liang’s reasons for joining the good guys side below:

Sub-Zero: It is true, I was once Lin Kuei  and fought for the forces of darkness. But that was long ago…Back when my brother was still alive…It has been many years now since Liu Kang faced my brother in Mortal Kombat. [...] Sonya: So, why’d ya turn on your clan anyway? Jax: Girl, your parents ever teach you the word "tact?" Sub-Zero: After his death, I realized that my own brother was innately evil and without honor… I could no longer fight for what my clan believed in…That was when I decided to help you. Jax: Then why the disappearing act? Sub-Zero: In spite of what I knew, I was too filled with hate to go on. So I sought seclusion to try and find inner peace. Sonya: I guess what we’re all wondering is…can you ever really forgive Liu Kang for icing your brother? Sub-Zero: What Liu Kang did, he did to save Earth. He fought with honor and great purpose.

It was cartoon intended for children so it is make sense that brutality and complexity was reduced to acceptable norms, however A) “Kuai Liang” still didn’t call “Bi-Han” and evil/abusive brother and needed time to sort out his feelings, including hate (for Liu Kang) and  and B) saying “Bi-Han” and in general Lin Kuei were evil was the easiest way to explain why he changed sides than saying anything else (this point is actually relevant to “Kuai Liang”’s feeling for Lin Kuei/Bi-Han seen in the second episode - he may consider them evil but he would fight Scorpion to avenge what he did to Lin Kuei and wondered if Liu Kang could beat “Bi-Han” without Kitana’s advice so his feelings definitely aren’t one dimensional. I think it is safe to assume he was still processing his emotions and relationship with Lin Kuei/"Bi-Han") 

I guess this cartoon may be one of the reasons why people tend to consider Bi-Han to be an evil brother while painting Smoke as the only one Kuai Liang's brother that should matter. Still, a source is a source, so I’m bringing it to the table. 

[bruciemilf]

Haunted by Kuai Liang and Reiko thoughts. One thing bout me? If there's no lore between two blorbos I want to see together, I'll simply Frankenstein that shit.

Kuai Liang is raised for honour. Reiko is raised for pride. One is destined for a throne he doesn’t want, the other thinks kneeling is a privilege. Sunshine brother, war son.

Some headcanons because I am SOO unwell about their potential:

Reiko can't bring himself to fancy anyone who can't kick his ass. Kuai Liang can. Embarrassingly fast. At first, Reiko confuses his steadfast but fierce attraction to Bi-Han's younger brother as admiration. Just respect between warriors

Kuai Liang? Looked at this 6'4 bull of a man, turned to Tomas, and said, " My ancestors would be ashamed of what I'd let this man do to me" "what the fuck man"

Don't get me wrong, I adore chaste, shy Kuai; Watching his cheeks warm up in ripe peaches and listening to his words stutter when he's embarassed is the BEST

But we seriously need to acknowledge Reiko Is STUNNING.

His eyes are winter fire and his hands, hardened by combat, are big, and his laughter is deep and addicting and infectious

Reiko has no idea why the Lin Kuei's pretty boy even bothers sparing him two looks. He's not a man, he's a soldier. People don't look at him as something worth caring about

"...I like the origami swans you do for children, when they flock to you in markets," Kuai sounds softer than song when he says it. It makes Reiko's heartbeat climb up his throat.

"...If you tell anybody, I'll have your tongue on a plate."

Obligatory younger brother Reiko going to Mileena for these confusing emotions

He rants about Kuai Liang's eyes for a few hours (how many metaphors does he HAVE)

He gets diagnosed with "accute faggotry" and cries for an hour

After he gets over it, he's actually really passionate and wants to begin courting immediately;

Mf dead ass walked up to Kuai, just trying to enjoy some tea at Madam's Bo's, and goes "marriage rn" "what"

NO THOUGHTS ONLY REIKO CALLING KUAI LIANG "sunshine" "sunbird" "sunbeam" "little flame" "little Phoenix" AND KUAI LIANG EATS IT UPPPPPP

[ryukang1995]

Mortal Kombat characters, according to me (part 1)

- Johnny Cage - The clown/simp. Some folks love him, but I don't...at least not later incarnations of him (the Midway and 1995 versions can stay though).

- Kano - The Aussie scumbag. He can be delightfully nasty.

- Raiden - I actually like him the most when he's Christopher Lambert. His canon self is either a boy scout (New MK1) or an idiot who sucks at his job (NRS timeline).

- Liu Kang - The champ. A true badass and legend. The undisputed main hero of the franchise.

- Hanzo Hasashi/Scorpion - The fan favorite. Some will say he's the GOAT, but while I beg to differ, I still think he's awesome.

- Bi Han/Sub-Zero/Noob Saibot - The troll. Possibly the bane of many players' existence, besides the boss characters.

- Sonya Blade - Waifu #1. I'd have her hook up with Liu Kang, despite Johnny Cage being her canonical ex.

- Syzoth/Reptile - He's at his best when he's "the Green ninja". His New MK1 version isn't too bad though.

- Goro - A nightmare in every sense of the word. He's actually the best sub-boss in the entire franchise.

- Shang Tsung - The best villain in the whole lore. He can be sympathetic as he is wicked and deceitful.

- Kuai Liang/Sub-Zero/Scorpion - The GOAT (besides Liu Kang). Some prefer Hanzo, but I always liked this guy more.

- Kitana - Waifu #2. Arguably the sexiest MK female (though she's tied with Sonya for me). I'd have her hook up with Kuai, despite Liu Kang being her main love in the canon.

- Mileena - I prefer Kitana, but she's kool, if not very crazy and monstrous, lul.

- Kung Lao - Best bro to Liu Kang. Has great potential that doesn't get fully reached, but he's still awesome.

- Jax - Sonya's kool uncle (in a way). He's awesome too.

- Baraka - One ugly motherfucker. Still badass though.

- Tomas Vrbada/Smoke - Best bro to Kuai Liang. He's kool as both a ninja and a cyborg.

- Jade - Best sis to Kitana. Some will say she's a waifu or the sexiest, but while I prefer Kitana and Sonya, she's great too.

- Kintaro - Tiger Goro. He is arguably tougher than Goro, but I never felt that he was as memorable.

- Shao Kahn - Every MK fan's worst nightmare. 'nuff said.

- Sindel - The queen with a strong voice. She's at her best when she's a caring mother to Kitana, and fuck the MK11 version.

- Stryker - For a while, he was the Poochie of MK, but he did get a glow up in MK9, so I can't really rag on him too much. Plus, there have been worse MK characters over the years.

- Cyrax - The Yellow cyborg aka Mustard. He's kool.

- Sektor - The Red cyborg aka Ketchup. He's kool too, but I do prefer Cyrax.

- Nightwolf - Awesome design. Not too much to say about him.

- Sheeva - Lady Goro. If I have to be honest, she's more memorable than Kintaro.

- Kabal - Weird but awesome design. They can't seem to settle on whether he's truly evil or not though.

- Ermac - Probably one of the best ninjas in the franchise, besides Scorpion and Sub-Zero. I do prefer him as "the Red ninja" over him being mummy-like though.

- Rain - The Purple ninja named after the famous Prince song. He has a kool move set, but his personality just makes you want to punch him (though I think that was the intention).

- Motaro - Fuck. This. Guy. I always hated fighting him.

That's all for now. I might make more posts about how I view MK characters. If you agree or disagree with any of these, it's all good. Feel free to reblog or leave comments.

[itzkawaiiduh]

Okay, you know what? I had an idea; i'm dropping down my animation ideas that I really wanted to make, but won't have the time to do so, or just in general. Here we go!

- Ping! meme with Monty and Will. Shifts from their spectres to their student forms. At one point, it shows Monty's flashback with Belial, and Will being stabbed.

- Pista Toma. This animation meme/pmv follows Montresor with his flashback from episode 87 and the cellar. Switches from his pov to what is actually happening.

-Sweetness animation meme with Annabel, Prospero and Monty. Their spectres and at the "end" of each beat, it's Annabel's spectre holding their chess piece.

-Angel (jack stauber) follows Will's pov on montresor. The song starts with Will looking down at Montresor's hand, the man smiling at him. At the end, the song is essentially distorted, saying that "there's a heaven where you belong, where you belong." And at the end, Will choking and gasping on the floor slowly fades in as the audio distorts.

-Two Time. Nice little Will pmv.

-I'd rather sleep with Lenore, her with Theo, meeting Annabel, and the song is ending with the Wild Hunt.

-"I'm in love with someone, who's in love with someone and that someone is finally me. Morellada? QPR willspero? Lennabel? Idk I just love the cute audio

Analog horror/lost footage

-The Walten Files "Spot the differences." (If you want the audio, there's one with Warrior Cats. You don't have to know the wc lore, but the audio is there) Basically, it has a similar layout like a children's BONUS GAMES in every DVD. Will is telling you to spot the differences between two images of Duke, Lenore, and Montresor. It starts easy, but eventually, it grows more distorted when it gets to Monty, and the Doppelgänger's eyes follow the mouse at one point. After that, at one point, Will looking at you, and at one point, he asks you to spot the differences with HIM. And you're about to click one difference, but the game ends with a close up of his spectre, his face severely melted and distraught.

Oh, and a bonus. The little mouse is Prospero's gloved hand.

-Daisy Bell Annabel and Lenore animation. It starts cute and the film is intact, but it glitches to Lenore bound in ribbons, the footage realistic and not cartoony, and Annabel gets unsettled by this, but the film still progresses as cute and cartoony. At one point though, ANNABEL begins to grow realistic and ribbon bound. The lyrics "..On a bicycle bike for two" is the frame where Annabel gets shot, and is on the ground dead, bleeding out.

-Something with "it's just a burning memory" and "Heartaches." Not sure what tho.

Annnd that's it! I love thinking of animation ideas and not making them haha

[bihansthot]

Figured I'd pop in and ask you this question:

So I'm writing some lore for my oc and I was wondering if you had any sources for how Bi-Han is as a brother. The thing I'm working on is supposed to be angsty given what Bodaway's backstory is, but I'm afraid that with what little I know about Bi-Han I might accidentally make him into a complete prick. Like I want there to be some tension and distance between my oc and Bi-Han but like not to the point of Bi-Han being ooc if that makes sense?

You don't have to answer this right away, as I understand you've got a lot on your plate. I know I've already said this, but I do hope things get a bit better for you ^.^

Hello love! So, I have a couple posts I’ve made in the past about this that I’ve mentioned it before here, here, here, here and here.

I feel very strongly that at least in Midway and NRS timelines not including MK1 (2023) Bi-Han was a fiercely protective yet asshole of a brother, the type to pick on Kuai Liang himself but kick anyone else’s ass who tries to start anything with his little brother. I’ve often rambled that Bi-Han protected Kuai Liang growing up and would often confess to misdeeds Kuai Liang was actually responsible for because he didn’t want his little brother to suffer. I personally headcanon Bi-Han has a pretty scared up back from being beat with bamboo (which was a common punishment in Imperial China) so often when the brothers were growing up. I don’t think you have to worry about making him too much of a prick because short answer he is one, long answer he’s a prick but he has good reason to be one. He’s the oldest, he has all the responsibilities and burdens that come with being the oldest brother as well as the Grandmaster’s grandson (their Grandfather is Grandmaster before Sektor’s father takes over which leads me to believe in the older time lines Papa Zero is dead, it’s unclear if Bi-Han did it or not). He’s treated and raised differently than Kuai Liang is, he’s raised to be crueler and colder than Kuai Liang because he should be the next Grandmaster or at least that was the game plan until Papa Zero dies. Bi-Han most likely had to kill their Grandfather or their father or maybe both in order to become the next Sub-Zero and to do that he has to kill his emotions at a very young age but he doesn’t want Kuai Liang to be the same way. So, he makes sure he’s always the bad guy so Kuai Liang doesn’t have to be, he always takes care of things. He’s a very dedicated and hardworking individual and had to step into the role of both big brother and father figure for Kuai Liang. They’re all each other had until Tomas joins the Lin Kuei and suddenly Bi-Han finds himself with two little brothers to look out for and protect.

I base a lot off this off of how desperate Kuai Liang is to find out what happened to Bi-Han in MK9 and in Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms (which isn’t really canon but it’s kharacter building so we’re gonna use it) he absolutely sobs about the loss of Bi-Han. You do not hunt down someone or sob about a loss if you don’t genuinely love and care about that person. So, that solidifies to me that Bi-Han was an excellent older brother or else Kuai Liang wouldn’t have hunted Hanzo down, he wouldn’t have been in tears fighting his brother’s killer, he wouldn’t be distraught with grief and loss and wouldn’t live on in his brother’s place if Kuai Liang didn’t love and genuinely admire Bi-Han. A bad older brother doesn’t get that, a bad older brother gets a “oh pity, did he leave a will?” I actually have another piece that touches a bit on their relationship but implies they were actually twins which you can read here. Bi-Han is an asshole yes, but he’s also a good brother, you can be both, my brothers are great examples of this. They are absolute assholes to each other and occasionally to me but still would do absolutely anything for any of us. They teased and bullied me growing up just like Bi-Han teased and bullied Kuai but they covered up for me when I got in trouble just like Bi-Han covered up for Kuai Liang.

Bi-Han is a very complicated, layered asshole, he’s not just pompous ego and bravado. If you haven’t watched it I would really recommend watching a play through of Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero it gives a really good idea on Bi-Han’s attitude of asshole but reluctantly does the right thing when he needs to. The story mode for MK9 is also helpful to see his attitude as a kharacter but unfortunately there’s really nothing showing Bi-Han and Kuai Liang together. So all we have to go off of is how Kuai Liang reacts to Bi-Han’s death. Bi-Han as Noob Saibot famously tell Kuai Liang that “we share blood but we are not brothers” because Noob Saibot is Bi-Han stripped of every positive feeling and emotion. Kuai Liang parrots his back to him in MK11 so they very much have a strained relationship after Bi-Han’s death but not while he was alive, I refuse to believe that.

Basically it’s up to a lot of interpretation because we don’t see any of their childhood or them even interacting with each other but I have written a lot on my take about their relationship. Like I suggested though if you haven’t already, please watch Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero, Mortal Kombat 9, Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle or the Realms and feel free to ask or DM me any questions you have. I’m also more than happy to give you my discord username if you’d rather chat there but I’m more than happy to chat about all things Bi-Han and Lin Kuei and discuss how their kharacter progression looks like.

That invitation is for anyone in the fandom if they have any Sub-Zero Bros or Lin Kuei questions, I’m not Boon or Papa Tobias but I have been playing the games since 1992 and have a very good grasp of the lore. I also love what if situations and extrapolating logical conclusions to those situations and think about Bi-Han basically constantly. I’d much rather you lovelies come to me than try and google things and wind up on the weird fan wiki that says Bi-Han is 36 when he’s 32 and gives Sektor and Cyrax fake names, spoilers Felix is NOT Cyrax’s name, it’s just a made up fan name used by this sketch ass wiki same with Sektor, they don’t have canon names. Bi-Han, Kuai Liang and Tomas Vbrada are the only canon names for the love of the Elder Gods stay off this cursed fanmade wiki. Please. Also, I’ve said this before too but please, please don’t make the mistake of thinking Liang is a surname, it isn’t, Kuai Liang is his full first name, just like Bi-Han is his complete first name, the Sub-Zero brothers do not have a canon last name. Only Tomas has a canon last name in the Lin Kuei.

Ok I think that maybe answers your question, hopefully I know there was some powerful rambling in there. There’s a lot of stuff to sort through so like I said if any of you lovelies have questions please feel free to ask me.

@den-kunn I’m tagging you in this because I’ve seen you use Felix for Cyrax and if that’s a personal choice than by all means go for it but I don’t want you to be mislead by that fan wiki and think it’s his canon name when it’s not. I’m just trying to look out for you if you don’t want me to though that’s totally fine just let me know. I’m not trying to police anyone or anything I just know that fan wiki is notorious for spreading the wrong information and I don’t want you lovelies getting confused or mislead by the misinformation that wiki spreads. Because there are mean people out there that will start shit over the small inaccuracies and I don’t want any of you lovelies getting chewed out because this stupid fan wiki made something up.💙

If anyone else wants to be tagged in Lin Kuei or Sub-Zero Bros lore stuff and rambling then just let me know and I’m more than happy to start a tag list. Have a good night lovelies 💙

[maks-punchout-hyperfixtion]

World building part 1

The time trials

The time trials,also referred to as the super punch Branch, is based around the game super punch out

Lore

After an event the nes and nes arcade characters (expect sandman, bald bull, and super macho man) decided to take a few gap years to focus on their personal lives, however due to the suddenness the wvba needed a way to get boxing back in, they introduced the time trials and picked random assortments of boxers who applied or were suggested by the rookie leagues, even after the wii branch was made majority of the boxers still stay, with the only branch haveing a major turn over being the minor one, they are now considered the time trials due to the lack of rounds.

The roaster

Minor circuit

The French redemption 

Mechanical snap 

Kid quick 

Piston Hurricane

Major Circuit 

Bob Charlie 

Dragon Chan

Masked Muscle 

The black swan

World circuit 

Punch blade

Heike Kagero

Mad Clown

Shark Bite 

Special circuit

Narcis Prince 

Hoy Quarlow 

Rick Bruiser 

Nick Bruiser

Birdie mac

The new characters lore

The French redemption 

Jealous over his sister (Delilahs) boxing career at the fresh age of 20 he join the WVBA in order to top her and make France proud. Now he's 23 with 33 loses and still no wins.

Mechanical snap 

Created by a kid named alice, the mechanical snap was made to show that robots could eventually become human like in anything and was offered as a place holder for the wvba till they found a better 2nd place for the minor circuit, eventually they just gave up and mechy has been here ever since!

Kid quick 

He's back and in style! The infamous kid quick, who was thought to be retired after an incident, has come back read to box! And while he isn't used to the circuits yet he is very excited to catch up with old friends, and dish up some quick wins!

The black swan

Pissed at his cousin bringing shame to both their family and Italy, the black swan vowed to be better at boxing then him, combining a love for ballet and a grudge he was able to replace mr.sandman as the major circuit champion, and mark his words he'll hold the pride till the day his cousin apologizes, or dies, we don't know!

Punch blade

After a horrible accident involving a horseshoe, Punch blade we put on the time trails. We would have better information but uh nobody likes her at all expect Denis (the French redemption) sooo..

Shark Bite 

A Marine biologist who got board of research decided to leave his home in the outbacks one day and join boxing, with his favorite animal being his theme no less! This guys lay back attitude and good nature almost balances out the fact he bites you to stun you! Almost..

He does apologize tho so we have that going!

fun facts

Nick is still mad about not being champion anymore, the other champions include him and his brother because man ain't that impressive to have so many wins and only two losses.

Piston hurricane was going to retire shortly before kid quick joined, but was convinced out of it.

Narcis still does boxing and occasionally gives updates about Andrew ryan (spo aran) to the other boxers.

Narcis was offered to take the place of word champion since being 5th seemed harsh for him, but he declined.

Sharkbite typical speaks in Australia slang. Being the only Australian boxer is hard.

Birdie mac is the cousin of little mac. Both being the nephews of Texas Mac. This rarely gets brought up.

In "a sparklers introduction to the women's league" kid quick is referred to as "kevin". This however was just a name deedee quickly said because he was retired and didn't want his boxer name brought up, his actually name is tomas. Not to be confused with thomas (disco kid)

[ohmotherwhereartthou-if]

Specific Character Asks Masterlist

Author Note: Tumblr didn't like that the masterlist was so long so I have to start splitting it up. Edit: NSFW asks moved to their own masterlist.

Back to Main Masterlist: Link

All RO's Asks Masterlist: Link

NSFW Asks Masterlist: Link

Specific RO Asks

Cassandra

How is she treated/seen by Castellion Society: Link

How would she react if an MC who's not very good at expressing themselves verbally apologized through leaving her poems after an argument? Link

How would Cass react if MC and her father prepared a plan for MC's proposal for her behind her back? Link

How would Cassandra react to a MC that is confused about the concept of marriage and don’t see the point in them? Link

Valeria

Valeria’s favorite sibling and why? Link

Are Valerias brothers the ones that beat the MC up in the prologue? Link

Tomas

More info on Tomás's mother: Link

Which RO/ROs is/are a slow-burn? Link

Tomás romance w/ MC that has phobia of men trait: Link

What would the Male RO's do if their pregnant MC trips on the stairs while running towards them after them being a way for a great while? Link

Aurelio and Tomas reaction to Short MC pausing a conversation to grab a stool and say “Don’t laugh my neck was hurting”: Link

The guys react to pregnant Mc using their belly bump as a table for their plate? Link

Tomás Appreciation: 1,

Ludovica

Ludovica fears about having a daughter with MC? Link

More info about Ludovica's former husband? Link (Dark!)

(Character Interview) What is one experience she would absolutely like to share with MC? Link

Ludovica Facts: Link

Ludovica Love: 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,

Does she like gardening? Link

Which RO/ROs is/are a slow-burn? Link

Ludovica and how she feels about her family: Link

Ludovica and questions on her self-isolation: Link

How would Ludovica react if mc wrote a book for her? Link

how she would react/feel about her kid choosing some kind of contact sport/dueling type activity? Link

How would she react if in relationship stage MC would touch their foreheads gently and while making intense eye contact? Link

How large of a family would Ludovica prefer? Are there any family activities that she would particularly enjoy? Link

Mentioned: 1,

Aurelio

Can we have Aurelio and Tomas reaction to Short MC pausing a conversation to grab a stool and say “Don’t laugh my neck was hurting”: Link

The guys react to pregnant Mc using their belly bump as a table for their plate? Link

How does Aurelio react if male MC rope them into "acting like a woman"? Link

Would he be fine with romancing a MC who is more reserved and doesn't really like going out that much or parting? Link

What would the Male RO's do if their pregnant MC trips on the stairs while running towards them after them being a way for a great while? Link

Mentioned: 1,

Aurelio Audacity: 1, 2, 3, 4,

Elio

If we romance Elio, does he actually grow to love us? Link

If MC were to die and Elio would want everything to burn, how would Aurelio (his friend react): Link

How to impress him: Link

His explained reaction to marriage: Link

How is he in bed? Link

What would the Male RO's do if their pregnant MC trips on the stairs while running towards them after them being a way for a great while? Link

the guys react to pregnant Mc using their belly bump as a table for their plate? Link

Elio Slander: 1, 2, 3,

Secret Characters

Author Note: You can ask, no promise I'll answer though!

Eria

Nothing yet...

Yaro

Nothing yet...

Emilie

Nothing yet...

Morgana

Nothing yet...

Other Characters

Mother/Mentor

(Character Interview) Did she ever want to have a child/children prior to taking MC in? Link

(Character Interview) What was her own mother like? Link

What does mother's horse look like? (+ some lore) Link

Can we kill for Mother? Link

Does Mother try to encourage MC to strike out on their own before leaving? Link

Will it be possible to come to be indifferent towards or dislike Mother during the story? Link

How would our Mother/Mentor react when she sees MC starting families with RO's and mc and the ro's bringing their kids to her? Link

From most to least, which RO’s would mother approve of? Link

How would Mother react if MC became distant with her by the end of the story? Link

How would MC's adoptive mom feel about finding out they/their SO was expecting? Link

How would the ROs react if MC said to them that they would only marry them if they have the MC mother/mentor blessing? Link

[thetentaclecommander]

My Main Ships (in the AU)

Figure I’ll list the ships in my AU. Some of them are what the tender youth would call ““problematic.”” I see them as ‘compelling’, ‘having actual stakes,’ and having challenging conflicts beyond ‘will they love meee in this coffeeshop?’. Many of these people canon and OC have been with this AU since its inception and serve up the many themes found in it. Yes, some of them overlap as I'm team let people grow and have experiences/multiship. Nemesis/Jill The bread and butter of this AU. Full of complication as to why each proceeded with *dramatic handwave* this. A lot of unhealthy coping with their mutual and separate traumas (other than you know that whole trying to kill each other biz). Also, fun toying with that human/monster divide and how intimacy is wildly different between the other in monstrous ways. Is by far the most complicated ship. Gets very unsettlingly trippy with that 'mental connection' they have these days. Nemesis/Zeus(OC) I was apparently doing monstery brocon/twincest before it had a name (also lol myth shout out)? In seriousness, this is one of the most toxic ships in the AU because the two essentially are what happens when abuse travels down the line leading to unhealthy copes. It just happens to be between two highly dangerous monsters who both lack the concept of what family much less consent is (or even orientation; neither gets what that is, gender is 'what humans need us to be') while raised in horrible captivity, with one very out of his damn mind. Also noting that this AU doesn't deal in 'perfect' victims. Chris/Sheva A tragic pair that came to be out of Chris cheating on Jill out of loneliness and the distance Jill’s trauma caused. Things resolved where these two became an item (with Jill’s blessing even) but the vibe of Chris settling won't leave Sheva along with the torch for Jill Chris denies is there. He loves Sheva, he truly does, but that feeling for Jill is there, and Sheva, despite it all, hurts from that fact (never mind the guilt of at one time being the other woman). Ada/Carlos The spicy bi panic of two free spirits who know who they are and what they are about. Meeting up by ‘chance’ or rather by ‘plan’ as what are the odds of a spy and a guy for hire meeting up at the same places? They clearly run in similar circles but the attraction and fun of having a good time is there. Funny enough, one of my most healthiest of ships.

Shana(OC)/Jessica(OC) My too wholesome to live lesbian ship. One is a BSAA ‘green’ who after years of taking jobs under the table fighting BOW, can work on the up and up to fund her wife’s MS treatments. Aside from some of Shana’s work history (and the depths she’d go to save her wife), these two are just deeply in love with each other. Bonus round: Not as featured but part of the AU *lore* Brad/Gwen(OC) The secret between them – Brad hooking up with a too young Gwen and ending up with a love child – was what resulted in Brad living in fear of doing more wrong to her and his son, Tomas. Secretly paid money and cared for them at her request as Gwen didn’t want all their lives destroyed. Was it right? No, but this dynamic worked until someone found out using it to blackmail him into leaving Alpha Team behind at Spencer Mansion for hours. Trent(OC)/Gwen(OC) Trent and Gwen found themselves teen parents with the arrival of Tomas (he didn’t know Tomas wasn’t his). Trent was defeated by the prospect of his plans in the military being derailed and turned to drinking. He loved Gwen and Tomas but was prone to flirting when not sober. Gwen, hardworking and from the ‘wrong side the tracks’ sees herself as pragmatic and tried to manage the situation she found herself in with all the foibles of a teen that grew up too fast. Working jobs with a fake ID, she fought for her little family and cared for Trent and Gwen but held resentment to him not being reliable hence her staying out late and drunkenly hooking up with Brad. Tomas was her whole world and would crawl through hell for her son. Trent and Gwen are a hot mess that had Raccoon not happened would have probably either got their shit together or broken up. Ghandon(OC)/Tracey(OC) The put upon Nurse that actually cared for her ‘sons’ the NE-Ts: she read to them, talked to them like ‘people’, was a true ‘parent’ to them, watched as they gained more and more of a personality as the parasites learned. She had to ‘compete’ with Simon Ghandon’s attentions towards them who were not even remotely wholesome, to the point she played into the man’s delusions to gain the boys some respite. It, unfortunately, only worked for so long. Ghandon(OC)/His ‘boys’(OCs + Nemesis) Man with a God Complex + closeted + given complete control over 4 powerful BOW units. What could possibly go wrong? This is the main reason Nemesis has rage issues, control issues, lacks boundaries/has no idea of consent (other than not being human, so it’d been hard to grasp such a human-based concept anyway), and despises humans. Is one of the reasons (next to Nemesis) Zeus has really borked ideas on ‘love.’ This ship bracket is not just toxic, but hellish. Wesker/Jill Started as a side fling (not sexual but sexualized) feeding into Jill’s secret masochist tendencies (because no one was out about such things in the era of DADT and Anita Hill) that turns into a plot to manipulate her actions like with Brad and Barry. He intentionally knew the fallout would cause tension between her and Chris; then 5 happened. Oh boy did RE5 happen. Let’s just say he fucked her up mentally, emotionally and physically and continues to after his ‘death.’ Wesker is to Jill as Ghandon is to Nemesis. Wesker/Excella The Regional Director high on her own supply (and coke and wine) and the manipulative bioterrorist who plays along to get what he wants- what could possibly go wrong? Game playing was afoot, especially with her known jealousy toward the puppet, err Jill.

[kyogre-blue]

meanwhileinaditch

Unfortunately, NPCs hold a decent chunk of world-building lore you need for plot context. This game's construction, I s2g. I think the calendar and 'home base' are also holding this game back more than helping it. Iirc GD gets some bonus scenes of Claude investigating Fodlan/Relic Lore in the library the other routes don't get.

Yeah, I just got one scene with Tomas jumpscare to talk about how there were previously loads of books about the dark history of the Relics, but now they're all gone, how sus of the church, etc.

tbh my bigger takeaway was the jumpscare itself. Byleth and Claude both do the little flinch in surprise animation, and Claude looks quite uncomfortable when he says that they didn't notice Tomas. They don't react this way to Edelgard barging into the... same scene? next scene? So the whole thing makes Tomas look unexpectedly sus (which makes sense, given that he's a villain or something).

I'm not talking to NPCs tho, absolutely denied. It's so tedious, and I'd have to take notes to even remember anything because this game is just stuffed to the brim with Proper Nouns of plot relevance. I feel tired just thinking about it.

Regarding the calendar and home base, I think they are concepts that could have a place in an FE game, tbh. The visual indication that, hey, these characters have hanging out together for months is helpful to smooth out them getting closer together, and the home base gives you a setting for various scenes and activities.

It's just that 3H is very underbaked. As the video game reviewer Youtubers like to say, "it's a proof of concept game" and needs a more polished next entry. But instead FE has been changing up on every entry, so...

The problem with the calendar is that they didn't put enough on it. It's a repetitive system of explore to get your plot quests and pick up any new items/dialogues, then just grind for four weeks, until it's time for the plot battle. Repeat. It forcefully spaces out the plot events, but also forces them to clump together in big batches... while you might end up forgetting what even happened in the last set since you had a huge block of grinding between them.

imo there's two major issues: you can't choose when you do the main plot battle, and there's too little on the calendar. Birthdays happen, but you don't even get a little scene with the character (tea time is generic if you do it). Holidays happen, but you just get the, again, generic singing at the cathedral scene. All the "events" are functionally just an additional grinding spot. Instead of dumping all things into the explore Sundays, imo they should have separated them out more and made the events feel like, well, events.

Also, visual changes to the monastery would have been really great. As it is, they sure made fancy insert cards for the months, but they couldn't make alternate season visuals in the actual setting. I'm not sure we even have an explorable nighttime version.

As for the home base, the biggest issue is probably that it limits the kind of story you can write. Most older FEs are journeys where your geographic position is tracked, which helps give a sense of the world layout. But in those cases, there wouldn't be anywhere you could return to (unless you compromise into an actual camp that is implied to be pitched in different locations but has the same layout).

But seriously, they're not bad systems per se. They just needed a whole new game to get polished into something that does more than technically function.

The actual biggest problem is what they did with the route split. The systems you can probably live with, but the route structure... yikes.

[magicalyaku]

Turns out working 11-12 hours a day for two weeks straight effectively wiped all witty thoughts from my head (if I ever had some), but I’ll do my best to remember my November books. /3

15 Tage sind für immer (Here the whole time) (Vitor Martins): This one was unexpectedly nice. It basically made me smile nonstop throughout which was a good thing as I was reading it mostly at my artist alley table at Comic Con Stuttgart and you like to buy stuff from smiling people, right? 8D Felipe's mom is kinda the best. Also the German translation by Svantje Volkens was really good to read. Darius the Great is not okay (Adib Khorram): As the eternal advocate for friendship stories this one took me by surprise! I'm so not used to getting actual ones whithout romance. xD It was appreciated though. I also finally got the pop culture references! Usually I never notice or understand them because I never read or watch what's popular right now but just like Darius I grew up on Star Trek (especially The Next Generation). That was so nice~ But! I'm not sure if I would have enjoyed all the references that much if I didn't know the series. Because they were everywhere. Like take them out and there would be no book left. It was nice to learn about Iran and read about family and connections and stuff. There was also a lot of tea. I like tea. Darius the Great deserves better (Adib Khorram): I don't remember this very well. I didn't like it as much as its prequel but I'm pretty sure that was because of the suffering. Darius is having a hard time thoughout the book and that gave me a hard time, too. Not frustrating though at least. It handled that pretty well. More like a good message you have to work for? Bone Weaver (Aden Polydoros): This should be a fantasy book right up my alley. I realised, however, I'm so much more critical of female protagonists. "8D Toma did well though. Most of the time. I wish she wouldn't have fallen for Vanya (my heroines do not need any love stories thank you) but I have to give her credit for not falling for the first male person she meets (Mikhail), only for the second! And in all honesty, even though I might whine that it would have been better with Vanya x Mikhail, it would not. Because Mikhail lost Alexei (with or at least for whom he had a thing) within the first five pages of the book and having him move on within in three days ... errr The No. Well. I did enjoy the setting, the lore. And gawd I wasn't aware how much I love nicknames? Not "babe" or "sweetheart" etc but real names. Russian names provide so well in that department. Vanya was like "Hey, I'm Ivan but everyone calls me Vanya!" And everyone does! And then, 5 seconds later Mikhail goes "Ivan!" and I'm squealing because you know that at some point in the near future he will reluctantly come to like Vanya and will switch to the nickname as well and it will glorius. orz Anyway. I enjoyed the book but two things: The suffering. The physical pain. I read Mr. Polydoros' other books as well (The City Beautiful and the Assasin Fall duo) and in both the protagonists spend a lot of time in pain. Bone Weaver is no exception. It may not be "a long time" in here, but these guys are pretty broken up it's not funny. Second thing: I wish it would have been third-person instead of Toma's perspective only. I would have loved to learn more about Mikhail. What was his relationship with Koschei before? Will he be okay even when his people find out he has no more magic? The conversations, the bonding between him and Vanya. Gimme more! D: All for the Game series (Nora Sakavic): And finally this. This. I had a lot of words once but I'm reigning myself in. It was good. It was a lot of fun. I read The Foxhole Court back in September and then The Raven King in November and after I finished TRK, I went back to reread TFC ... I didn't want it to be over so soon. /D (And also my memory is shit and I read TFC while at airports, on planes and with my friends chatting next to me, so ... my excuses) I'm glad I read it only now instead of last year when I saw it the first time. (I'm a much more tolerant reader now.) But then, everything I like about the books are things I like in general: good characters, dialogues, self-references that make you leaf back or make you go "aaah" while rereading, and rewards after a long struggle. Gawd. For a hot second while reading TRK I got afraid that everything tumblr fandom teased me with might just be fan stuff instead of canon and I already felt the betrayal. 8D Then I remembered I already read the blurb for The King's Men and it was all there. Phew! Not that I read the books for the romance only. But it was so mind-boggling to know where Neil and Andrew end up when in the beginning they can't spend like two peaceful seconds with each other. So the journey was incredibly intruiging and fun. Haah. (Bonus fun: There were AFTG cosplayers at Comic Con. I only saw a flash of orange in front of my table and was like “Huh, it’s just Haikyuu” but I still took another look and there it was “Palmetto State University”! Of course I embarrassed myself in guessing the characters wrong, but it was still nice. 8D) To ease my AFTG hangover I went back to rewatching anime. I found the perfect little sibling: bad parents, abuse, anger issues, (kinda) gay, more queer kids, estranged childhood friends, boys obsessed with stupid sports, protagonist with an attitude problem and a bad mouth. I present: Stars Align! (Yes, that stupid series which ended on the worst cliffhanger and never got its second part!!! D:<) Speaking of anime, now that the worst of the christmas crunch is over and I'm having time again to actually enjoy stuff I should get back to finishing Yuri on Ice ... and ... Chainsaw Man. xD

[unsleepingtales]

Episode 11 reactions! Much delayed but here they are.

We are fifteen minutes in and Emily’s already crying. This is gonna be so fine and such a good thing for my mental health tonight huh.

“I am big. And I am bad” “But so am I now.” I’m gonna SOB

Red and the Wolf’s relationship is so important to me actually.

“No, stop, in reference to what?!” Brennan fully pulling them out of this very intense scene because he’s had it with Beardsley’s shit and he needs them to explain this one goddammit.

At some point when I’m not sleep deprived and stressed out of my mind I am going to do a mini character analysis on why Ylfa loves secrets because I think if I poke at it for long enough there’s something there.

Ylfa introducing him as Death 🥺

HASHTAGPONDLIFE

Does anyone have more info on the sword?

Mech? Destroyed. Pig? Eaten. Death? Totally chill, he likes a bit of defiance!

Impeccable use of a disguise kit. The wolf loves his fun little blond ombre patch.

Mer-King mention we are getting closer and closer to the little mermaid

Which hopefully means we are also getting closer to more Cinderella interactions!

Rumplestiltskin lore?

Oh fuck oh god so it’s the baron’s fault Marienne and Greenleigh fell??? Snowhold sent giants to defeat Marienne because Tomas denied the council of kings, and I don’t think there was a chance in hell any greenleigh royalty would join…

Restoring order and decency. I mean this completely seriously that is chilling.

Snow White Necromancer?? Ok sick

Conniving pig working with the faeries ugh

So everyone is working towards something that they think is good and true and actually it’s all just different layers of fucking over other people.

Jack. Jack the Giant Killer. Jack who is no longer Mother Goose’s son. Oh no. Oh oh no.

I really hope Brennan is going to involve the actual original Snow Queen tale, it’s fucking fascinating and she’s just been mentioned so I have hope.

Babe wake up new Plug’s Butt Ugly Stuff Hut just dropped

Ooooooohohoho do we get to go to Toy Island where it’s just Boys boys and nothing but boys being their beautiful selves and living their best lives ☺️

“I might just walk to snowhold by myself.”

Bubblegum and whiskey, new favorite drink ig.

Murph and Zac in perfect unison incredible

Goose and Gerard being actual adult friends is so nice.

Full five seconds of horrified silence after “hey wolf… how do you like to have sex?”

One day you will die.

DOES THE WOLF KNOW BABA YAGA IS THAT WHATS ABOUT TO HAPPEN

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH BOIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Fucking love the Baba Yaga cannot wait to meet her.

What the fuck kind of favor could the deity of death owe to the oldest witch oh god

Ally is just murdering Brennan with the one liners today

The Baba Yaga canonically plays ukulele in the Neverafter. Okay. Hate that. But sure.

Jam sesh :)

Gander being creeeeepy

Never mind he’s just Hannah Montana

Girls, boys, bubble gum and toys, and a whoooole lotta whiskey

“Let’s not just sell our souls instantly” says Brian Murphy, player of Cody Walsh.

Fun older cousin type shopping spree!!!

Zac and Murph in confused unison once again

Hand knit training bra from the baba yaga

The commitment to the bit from ALL OF THEM I love that Brennan just fully accepted it and went with it

RETURN OF THE ADULT SLEEPOVER

The wolf still has the wig yay

Pib and Ylfa friendship so important to me

PIB DEVELOPMENT I’m so glad he had that conversation with the wolf.

Snowball fight 🥺

He said seal skin and my ears pricked up, if there are selkies… I will lose it

Oh this is part of ze bit. I see. Zis is funny because she is ze one who has not worn ze crown.

“Is everyone okay” what an insane thing to ask in this situation

Oh this is a story I’ve never even heard, this is fascinating.

Episode Trailer Reactions:

ELODY?????

Emily’s outfit is so good

Dead princes continue

Evil witch laughter. Neat.

[gyuville]

fr the otome questions thing…. 9? 14? 15? and 24?

9. romantic moment:

realized while answering this i have a very bad memory 😭😭 i only remember the parts that hurt me the most 💔 but the first thing that comes to mind is that one scene in yves from virche evermore's route. when mc accidentally sees his scar and hes crying thinking she'll leave him or be scared of him bc of it just like every person in his life. but she doesn't she stays with him she tells him that she thinks hes beautiful and she kisses his scar. i cried so much in that scene i love my yves so much 😭😭

14. exceeded expectations:

although i havent finished it yet, mystic messenger definitely exceeded my expectations. the other texting based dating sim i played "30 days to love" was good but pretty basic. i was expecting smth similar from mystic messenger at first. but now i realized its not like that at all so it really is way better than expected. ive only done 707's route so far and im actually head over heels for him. and thats without even going into the lore 😭

15. favourite trope:

honestly idek 😭 i probably have 2 different types considering my faves in otome games. one of which is

i) the LI that is in love w mc in every route/timeline/universe :-

asra alnazar from the arcana

rafayel (all 3 actually?) from love and deepspace

ankou from virche evermore

ukyo from amnesia memories

707 (saeyoung choi) from mystic messenger

but i love all of them for very different reasons and i loved them ever before finding out theyre in love w the mc in every universe. im just naturally drawn to mysterious characters i guess? because there are other characters who also fit in the same category. ((for example: lucas proust in virche evermore, toma in amnesia memories)) but its probably bc we're literally meant to be actually (im insane)

24. favourite otome:

i havent played that many otome games in my life actually. like ~8 of them?? although i love them all for their very own reasons... virche evermore is Really hard to top like they truly cooked with this one ‼️ gave me a reason to live. the love interests, the story, the routes, the despair endings, the salvation endings, everything. i have never cried as much for a game or any piece of media, as i did for virche evermore. although some routes were a little too much for even me to handle it kind of made me love it more. i literally stayed awake till 5 am every night for 2 weeks while playing virche. i enjoy emotional pain and suffering tbh. i could go into actual heavy detail on why and how much i love virche evermore but its 3 am and i have to wake up in 3 hours 💔💔

thank you so much for sending an ask i really really love you for this i love screaming abt my favourite otome games