#and add extra depth not just to the world the characters live in:

[blindtaleteller]

tags again.

Ok friends, this has bugged me for awhile now so help me solve it.

In LOTR we're giving two contradicting depictions of Elves and their horses: the Glorfindel approach and the Legolas approach.

In the Glorfindel approach, we're told through various references that he rides Asfaloth with a saddle, stirrups, and reins.

While in the Legolas approach, we're told instead that the "Elvish way with all good beasts" is to ride them with none of these items and direct them solely with the spoken word.

So how do we square these, friends?

Extra points if you give me your unhinged headcanons about this in the replies/tags. I want to hear all about those.

[nikibogwater]

Actually while I'm thinking about it, I just wanna say that the more live-action remakes Disney shlups out like shoveled manure, the more amazed I am that Cinderella (2015) exists. It breaks literally every standard of Disney's LA remakes.

It's not a shot-for-shot remake of the original 1950 animated film, though it does include small references and homages to it, but only when such things can be incorporated organically into the story.

The creators understood and respected the cross-cultural significance of the Cinderella story. They didn't want to "fix" it, or add some wacky twist to it, they just wanted to make the best possible version of the Quintessential Cinderella that they could.

Everything that could be done practically was done practically. The carriage was a real, the horses pulling it were real, and all of the other animals (with the exception of the mice and lizards, since their performance was a lot more involved than the others') were real living animals, the lizard footman and goose carriage driver were wearing prosthetics instead of just having their animal features added in post, the Fairy Godmother's dress had little LED lights sewn into it so that it would actually glow for real, the ballroom set was built by hand and included real chandeliers with more than 2000 total candles that were all actually lit for the scene, and I could go on but you get the point.

There's a ton of attention paid to little details that make the world feel real and lived in. Ella's shoes are always a little scuffed and dirty. Her farm dress is faded and wrinkled. When she breaks down and runs away to the woods, she rides her horse bareback (which, once again, was a thing Lily James actually did, no stunt-double or editing in post), because not only is that something a country girl like her would know how to do, but it also makes sense that with as upset as she is, she wouldn't want to waste time with saddling the horse. When she's dancing with the prince, it's visually obvious that he is leading her and giving her cues because of course Ella wouldn't know the latest ballroom dances, and would need him to guide her through it.

Hey speaking of dancing, y'know what else this movie does that no other LA remake has been allowed to do (at least not to this extent)? ROMANCE. Land sakes alive, this is one of the most unabashedly and yet still tastefully romantic movies I've ever seen. Ella and Kit are just oozing romantic chemistry from the moment they lock eyes for the first time. It all comes down to the fact that these two characters both have the same core values of courage and kindness, which makes their admiration for each other feel grounded and believable. Richard Madden also really sells Kit's feelings for Ella with the way his eyes go all big and soft whenever he looks at her. And don't even get me started on Lily's performance as Ella. Her quiet awe that someone as powerful as the prince loves her. The timidity and fear that she's not really worthy of that. The selfless determination to protect him from her family's cruelty, even if it means she'll never see him again, I'm just-- *banging my fist against the table and screaming into a pillow*

Absolutely god-tier costume design. No notes, I think Sandy Powell's work speaks for itself. Btw, in case you were somehow still wondering, yes, Ella's ballgown is fully practical--those layers upon layers of dreamy silk skirts are real. CG was only used to brighten up the blue color to make her stand out from the crowd more.

Wicked stepmother was allowed to actually be wicked. The movie never tries to make you sympathize with Lady Tremaine, or shift the blame off to someone else. And her villainy is given an extra layer of depth with the reveal that she is a dark reflection of Ella. They've both lost people they loved, but where Ella refused to let her grief get in the way of kindness, Lady Tremaine became utterly consumed by it. She views the death of her first husband as a sort of twisted justification for pursuing all her worst impulses. She despises Ella for her ability to flourish even while enduring terrible suffering, for being everything Lady Tremaine was either unable or flat-out refused to be.

Also Cate Blanchet absolutely SLAYS in this role. Hands-down my favorite portrayal of the wicked stepmother character.

Anyways, TLDR: Cinderella (2015) is the only Disney live-action remake that can justify its own existence and that's because it actively defies everything the LA remakes are today.

[fruityroth]

Just something on why representation matters: even the smallest bit of seemingly the most miniscule part of someone's identity being shown will make someone out there happy. It can be the most minor thing in the world to you, but someone, somewhere, will be absolutely ecstatic to see a part of themselves in one of their favorite characters.

Example: I seriously love left-handed characters. As a lefty, this is super cool to me. Seeing someone who uses their left hand in media will always make me smile, and it makes me feel more connected to the characters. Some examples: Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Sephiroth, and, of course, Link. Like, this is why I loved The Legend of Zelda so much as a kid. Link has historically been left-handed since the very first game. Seeing Link pick up the Master Sword in his left hand, being called the Left-Handed Hero, and generally just be awesome while also being a lefty, makes me giddy to this day. It's just such a positive representation of left-handedness, and that probably doesn't matter to *anyone* that didn't grow up as a southpaw, but it makes me happy.

That's also why it's a shame that he's no longer left-handed. Not only do I feel less connected to the character who was, for the longest time, my absolute favorite hero (a pot-smashing, grass-cutting role model, one could say), but it also feels like they cut out a core part of his identity with that small change.

I especially felt disconnected after reading about why they made the change. Apparently, according to an interview, they switched for wii motion controls, since people hold the wii remote in their right hand regardless of "hand preference" (those were the exact words used). I, uh...I don't! I have, and always will, hold a wiimote in my left hand. Learning that *this* was the reason for them cutting out such an enormous part of the identity of my childhood role model, the Paragon of what lefties could be, seriously pissed me off. And again, this probably doesn't matter in the least to anyone who isn't a lefty.

In short: diversity, inclusion, and representation don't have to be massive. It doesn't have to take up the core of a character's story arc. Even something as simple as the character's *dominant hand* can make people feel seen.

This is also why I don't like it when people say not to have representation for representation's sake. "Oh, it's just tokenism if you say that a character's gay and do nothing about it!" No. No, it's not. It increases diversity, it makes people feel closer to your characters and story, it gives positive representation of usually marginalized people (including lefties until recently, believe it or not!), and it adds an extra layer of depth to this collection of traits that you're passing off as a person.

Even if there's an argument to be made that a character is just the "token gay," or the "token PoC," or whatever, it also shows that people from those communities are capable of living normal lives in society, rather than conforming to whatever stereotypes apply to them. I would much rather a writer add an identity to a character and then not mention it much than they try to make a story arc around it that comes off as anything-phobic.

Again, in short: representation matters. Never say it doesn't.

[creation-help]

Advice and tips on how to make your character feel more genuine/real

- Pettiness and shallowness. Obviously it can manifest in different ways, but IRL everyone has at least one or two little things that they're a bit surface level and "Just because!" about. Be it clothes, how they do certain rituals, what color m&ms they prefer ect ect. It can be little details or even major characteristics, and depending on which (and what) they are, it can be really telling about the character! Plus, it just adds a little extra depth and fun. Some examples including but not limited to: Being fussy over getting their clothes wet or dirty, only preferring some items because they look good, insisting on doing some action or tradition exactly a certain way, disliking an aspect of a thing or a person because they just don't like it, and so on. Obviously the big worldview points like morality and beliefs are very important, but when you've figured those out, take a moment to think about the smaller, everyday things your character feels about the world around them. No matter how good or wise a person is, they'll still always have some little thing that they can't give some profound noble answer to. Use this to your advantage to explore your character's shortcomings or flaws!

(In the same vein, Pet peeves is another detail that can flesh out a character!)

- How does your character perceive things? What do they notice about people first? How would they talk about, or describe another person to someone, if asked? How would they describe themself? And why? Just some things to consider. If your character maps out all the little details and deeply analyzes everything they see, it'll show in their interactions very differently than, for example, if they have the perception of a cabbage and are more oblivious than the love interest in a teen drama that the writers are stretching out for five seasons for no reason. Ykno.

- Additionally: what's their opinion of the people around them? Or if you've already mapped that out, what's their opinion of people they've never met before, or people who aren't in their immediate bubble, friends of friends, relatives of relatives, neighbours, or celebrities, mythical/historical figures and so on. Delve into hypotheticals sometimes, it can help you exercise your knowledge of the character. Even if none of these encounters or situations would happen in Canon.

- I'm sure you've already figured out what your character is most passionate about, ykno, whatever drives the story and impacts their relationships with other characters. But how about stuff they really don't care to think about? Just shrug? Not interesting? Doesn't pay attention to this? What is low on their priorities? It doesn't have to be negative (but can be!), it can just be "Meh", or something your character hasn't even noticed before, simply because it's not in their thoughtscape to think about.

- Does your character have any of those "What? I thought everyone did that/thought that/was like that!" - things? What do they take for granted, or weren't aware isn't a universal experience? Did they have a wildly different experience with something that most other characters hadn't even thought of? And yes I understand this is good for exploring trauma and other angsty things, but besides the obvious, think about maybe something that could be related to your character's species/living environment/abilities/opinions ect. This is great for exploring cultural differences, and anything that takes place in a fantasy setting. Very useful for villains and heroes alike! It's insightful. Everyone has small little perceptive differences or big and small thoughts that for some reason just haven't been properly challenged yet. Or brought up even. For whatever reason. Explore maybe what that reason could be, and figure out why it's been unchallenged for so long.

- Imperfections. Little divergences. It's fully possible to write a compelling and genuine feeling character using just archetypes, if you really explore them deeply. And whether you're doing that or not, think about the lines and molds you've set your character into, and let them spill out of them a little bit. Can be one huge aspect or one teensy detail, but make some diversion. Some crack in the picture. Doesn't have to be a flaw but can be! Just have some little aspects that set them apart and make the character themself. Get weird with it. Getting weird is one huge way you can truly make a character stand out and feel more unique and, oddly enough, genuine and real. Actual people have little oddities or things that don't line up with everything else about their person. And again it doesn't necessarily have to be anything big or shocking, in fact I'd argue it's even better if sometimes it's just a small, very ordinary, humanizing detail. Maybe unexpected, or maybe just something that doesn't factor into the surface image your character has. Think about characters similar to yours that you see often. What traits do they all share, or most usually have? Think about the kinds of people your character is inspired by. What are they often like? Make a diversion from that. Make multiple even? It can be the most random thing but think about it, even if you threw a dart at a wall of sticky notes, really chew out what this little thing says about your character. And focus on little cracks, imperfections, diversions and other odd details of your character. Over time they can grow bigger, or maybe not.

- Keep a clear picture of who your character is. Sounds obvious but I'll elaborate. Your character will obviously change and develop over the time you're working on them and whatever story events take place but I think it's very important to keep in mind who they fundamentally are. Basically I'm saying that try to keep them in character, yes even if you did drastic character development, you can still show that it's the same person in other ways even if one of their core traits was flipped. Be aware of what things will never change about your character no matter what they'd go through. Keep some consistency. Consistency matters alot in making a character seem genuine and, ykno, a good character. Even if that consistent trait is that they're inconsistent! The character can be that, yes, but as their creator, you should still keep sights of what's consistent for this character, you feel? If your character is a glunk of slime that slips out of it's container constantly and subsequently molds into whatever situation it gets put in, that's not really a character, that's.. Idk, plot device..? I know this may sound contradicting to my previous point but I fully think that, and this one can and should coexist.

You need to simultaneously be aware of the ways your character will differ from something and be fluid, and the ways your character will not bend, and cannot become. It's simply a matter of knowing their boundaries and restrictions, knowing which way they can lean and which way not. Obviously this'll be up to you as their creator, bc yeah you're allowed to drastically edit your character if you feel like it's for the better, but try to commit to that change then. Don't let the character slip from your hands, or let the story bend them into whatever shape it needs to make the plot go forward. Your character, and more importantly you, should be in control of that.

I emphasize the point of you controlling your character and not the other way around also. I've seen some character owners slip into "Well it's just what the character would do! I can't help it, it'd be out of character if they didn't do x!" even if the thing is completely awful, doesn't fit, or would ruin an aspect of the story. A smart writer will know how to work with your character's traits in a way that prevents them from running off the tracks and becoming their own little gremlin, while also complying with the story. Respect your character's.. Character, while also respecting yourself and the point of the story. This is even more crucial if it's a roleplay character, by the way..

I'm just saying, find ways to write the story in cooperation with your character. That means knowing what situations to avoid and which ones to steer for, in order to keep your character functioning with the plot and other characters. Sometimes you simply have to prevent some event from happening, or some characters from ever meeting, for the sole reason that it wouldn't make the story work the way it should. Or the way you want it to. You hold the pencil, be aware of what that means

[everrainrp]

𝚎⃨𝚟⃨𝚎⃨𝚛⃨ 𝚛⃨𝚊⃨𝚒⃨𝚗⃨

"The rain here is ceaseless, but it is essential for our way of life. For all of our lives."

"It's just an early coldsnap, it's nothing to worry over."

"I'm not worried about the coldsnap directly. The fish are becoming less and less numerous as this 'coldsnap' drags on. Our stores are running low, we haven't been able to catch enough to feed ourselves and still have some to preserve for leafbare!"

"Our stores can't be looking that dire... Are they?"

"I'll put it this way for you; our stores won't last us to the first snowfall at this rate."

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

Welcome to Ever Rain, an upcoming discord based WC inspired roleplay server, where we follow the lives and legacies of five Clans that inhabit the uppermost temperate rainforests of North America.

Ever Rain is a partial sandbox roleplay, encouraging members to create their own plotlines that have effects on the world around them, while maintaining story arcs in the background that add depth and shape to the world of Ever Rain that players can interact with, fully being able to immerse themselves.

What Does Ever Rain Offer:

A welcoming and comfortable environment for all. Ever Rain is LGBTQ and Native run, and takes great measures to ensure the safety and comfort of its member base.

A partial open world setting that allows for primarily character and player driven plots to take the stage, complimented by an overarching story arc that will allow players to further interact with the world as it changes.

An 18+ (SFW) environment. There will likely be a two months grace period for those about to turn 18, however this will be monitored very closely to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone involved.

Flexible but realistic character creation with the option to fully utilize real cat genetics for kit litters.

Flexible and relaxed activity requirements.

Relaxed Application process that does not require you to have a fully realized character to join (sans HR Applications when they open), nor expects you to be perfect in your writing.

A literate server that requires at least five lines of writing per post.

QOTD both for you and your characters!

Daily and Weekly optional prompts that relate to any current story arc that can be the basis for threads, solo writing, or art.

Dynamic Clans with their own history, beliefs and cultures as they have grown to adapt to their environments.

Clan events and server wide events such as festivals that allow for more inter Clan interactions outside of Gatherings!

Generalized weather and Clan unique news that change at the start of each week.

And more!

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

HOME | GUIDELINES | CHARACTER CREATION | EXTRAS | LORE | STAFF APPLICATIONS (CLOSED) | CHARACTER APPLICATIONS (THORNRUSH OPEN) | WEBSITE | PREFIX REGISTERY

[banner art by me!]

[trinketstar]

Sammymax ramble waaaah

Thinking a lot about season 3 and how genius it's design is compared to how arbitrary the first 2 games were set up. I mean i love them all but s3 is just leagues better gameplay wise. Max having magic powers gets rid of the tedium of backtracking, makes the jokes less predictable, let's the puzzles be more creative in a way that still has some logic to it, adds a REAL hint system, makes the gameplay more engaging overall, AND it directly causes all of the internal and external conflict of the story. Now it isn't "wacky things happen and Sam and Max are there", now THEY are the reason that the story is happening. And THATS the only way you can do a serious story in this series because like, Sam and Max dont value ANYTHING in the world except for each other. They barely care if their home gets destroyed or their other friends get exploded or the apocalypse is happening, as long as Sam's there to be the setup to Max's punchline.

AND THE WAY IT IMPACTS THEM TOO. it's such a good way to show their characters and analyze how they feel about a new serious turn in their lives, and I LOVE that they're not even subtle about it, with Sam actually talking about how it makes him feel, and Charlie psychoanalyzing Sam at the end of 304, playing up his insecurities to make him give up fighting. (It's amazing how characters in media rarely talk about their feelings in depth, unless it's an emotional cry-fest.)

Cuz despite Sam's fears, and even though Max is changing physically throughout the season, he's the only one who stays the same emotionally. Max just thinks the powers are fun! And he's here to help Sam out and have a good time like they've always done.

But Sam being the analytical one has to realize how much danger Max is in now, and how all these new characters wanna kidnap or hurt his little buddy, and the big conflict of this entire thing is Sam having to face his own vulnerability that he doesn't want to admit. Because his relationship with Max has always had a power imbalance, and it's one Sam is comfortable with. He likes being the leader. He always wins when they wrestle over the phone, he's the intimidating one when they encounter an enemy, and he's the one solving the puzzles. Even when Max is helping, he's mostly moral support and an extra gun hand. Not to say Max isn't as capable as Sam is, he's just taken the role of being the absentminded wildcard, and Sam likes to be the protector.

But the more powerful Max becomes, the more Sam feels that role being challenged. Now he has to follow Max around and give hints, while Max uses his power to solve the puzzles, culminating in Max being the only character who you can actually control and walk around at the end of 304.

And this doesn't manifest in jealousy or anger at all, that's not who Sam is, but it forces him to realize that he isn't Max's protector anymore, even though he still tries to be. Most telling when you read his mind and he says "Soon Max won't even need a partner..." As if being the big strong and smart one was the only reason Max wants to work with him.

Sam is a confident guy but still has his insecurities, and these are played up to a cruel extent in s3 with the constant fat jokes and puzzle solutions that are embarrassing for Sam, their home base, the office being off limits, and Max being taken away or in different forms constantly. It's telling that even though Max doesn't seem to be letting the power go to his head (besides his usual teasing), Sam worries that if Max doesn't NEED him around anymore that lessens his own worth. Even though Sam is the leader, he only really does this job because he loves to spend time with Max, and that's not something he fully realizes until he starts having to face the possibility of losing him. Ultimately admitting that if it really came down to it, he'd be able to go on living on his own, and could continue doing his job in his own noir detective style way, but he wouldn't be happy.

Max doesn't tend to talk about his feelings but we can still see how he feels through the Super Ego. The representation of the part of Max deep down that resents his lack of ambition. Though the superego takes the place of a villain of sorts he really is the part of Max that wants to be something greater than he is. To live up to his own potential, when he's just too scatterbrained to do anything about it. And the part of Max that seems to hate himself in a way. It's a good contrast to have with Sam I think. Neither of them resent the other for their roles in the team, but it's the source of their own insecurities. At the end of it all, they love each other so very much, but they're both very selfish too, and want to be more than what they are. It's only human! So to speak.. 

I wanna get back to Sam talking about going on without max, cuz I think that's the real tragic part of all of this. The cartoon is a whole different thing from the games but Sam had about the same reaction to Max being hurt. Without Max around he has no restraint and becomes violent. But whether or not he'd be able to move on, Sam would still be able to take care of himself.

But I think the cartoon is the only time we've gotten to see Max on his own, like after the “breakup” in the final ep or when he thought the guinea pigs killed Sam, HIS reaction was usually to cry, panic, and/or blame himself. In the case of the breakup he just completely gave up on everything. I don't think Max would be able to get along without Sam around. Sam kinda has a sense of purpose that keeps him going, with his sense of misguided justice and crime solving, but does Max have that? He’s just along for the ride. Thats why I think (besides the story needing to wrap up quickly), Max would be so drastic as to alter timelines just to get back to Sam. He has NOTHING else, the poor little guy.  

Man last thing is I wanna talk about the different endings to s3 too. I know they only exist because of creative differences in the writing staff but that makes it even BETTER. When Sam gets to recall the good times with Max he can either remember the crime fighting or the adventures. But the choice is really “What is Sam’s purpose? To do his job, or to have fun with Max?” If you choose crimefighting he says something along the lines of  “Of course I could keep fighting crime on my own, but I’d be depressed doing it by myself.” With adventures he emphasizes that he NEEDS Max by his side to discover the mysteries of the universe! It sums up the resulting endings very well. 

If you have him reminisce about the crime fighting, Sam puts his hat back on after his walk to the harbor, preparing to go back to his job like he’d been doing. It’ll never be the same, but crimes always need stopping after all. I imagine he’d just become Noir Sam forever. Brutally carrying out his missions while resenting the world that took his little buddy. 

If he remembers the adventures, after Sam walks to the harbor he takes off his hat and leaves it on the wall.  Max never cared about justice, he was always in it for the adventures. If Sam’s purpose is to have those adventures too, what’s the point without Max? What is he even going to do now? 

There’s a few tiny differences too, like how in adventures, Max gives a simple smile when Sam hugs him, but in crimefighting Max looks kinda confused? 

But the biggest thing of course is that, if you choose crimefighting, Sam and Max stay in Sam’s timeline and walk off into the sunset preparing for their next case. Sam gets rid of the time machine for good, and they keep things how they always were before like nothing happened. 

if you choose adventures, Sam decides to go back in the elevator to Max’s timeline. Abandoning his own and even nearly leaving his hat behind! They decide to aimlessly travel in the machine just to see what happens. It’s much more vague than the status quo of the other ending, suiting for the more “max themed” option.

It’s hard to decide which ending is sadder honestly. At their core they’re both the same. The version of Max we’ve known since episode 205 was doomed the second he found the first psychic toy. I’m assuming the Superego was lying and there was nothing to be done about the tumor. He’s just gone. 

So this new Max, with a new boatload of traumas that he’s NEVER going to acknowledge again, can go along with Sam and they can both pretend things are how they’ve always been. Sam can go back to crimefighting with past Max and they’ll figure it out from there. With their half destroyed office and their old friends and a replacement DeSoto later on. 

 OR, he can leave it all behind and go into the unknown with past Max. Man think about this ending from the side characters’ perspective!! They tell Sam there’s nothing they can do to bring Max back, they watch Sam silently walk to the harbor and then... they never find a trace of him again. geez

for THAT matter it’s implied a role reversed season 3 happened in max’s timeline with only minute differences. so everyone in max’s timeline will never see HIM again in the crimefighting ending. they’ve messed up the timestream but the equalizer is the timeline will either have both sam and max, or neither one. 

[mr-president]

what is fear and hunger it looks cool

CW: gore, blood, and body horror; some spoilers for F&H 1 and Termina

It is very cool!!! Fear & Hunger is basically an indie rpg that reimagines historical “turning points” in a lovecraftian horror aesthetic. Counter to other indie rpgs (like undertale or omori), F&H revels in its ethereal, gorey beauty:

The gameplay further sells the “horror” aspect of the game by being extremely punishing—one missed line of battle text or failed coin flip, and you could be sent right back to the beginning of the game with nothing left. Not to mention, items in the game are few and far between, randomized to add that extra level of difficulty. The enemies are challenging as they are terrifying in design—everything about this game screams “horror.” If you want to learn more abt F&H’s incredible game mechanics, SuperEyepatchWolf already did a video that goes in depth abt it:

For me, other than its mechanics, what makes F&H so good are its characters, particularly in F&H: Termina. There are 14 main characters and 8 playable characters, but each are distinct from one another and even if you don’t play as all of them, all 14 are bound to make an impact in your run.

For example, one of the biggest shocks in the game is when Tanaka, the salaryman, inevitably dies in your first run. He’s not a bad dude, in fact, he’s probably one of the kindest characters in the game. He’ll put himself in danger to give Olivia, the botanist who cannot walk), a wheelchair, and he’ll help you out if you’re an idiot and get stuck in a well.

But his sudden death (be it beheaded by bonesaw, being shot by German revolver ocelot, or transforming into a lovecraftian monster after being driven to insanity) shows how the world of F&H is indifferent or even hostile to average people. Tanaka’s death is often the first wake-up call to the legitimate cruelty of F&H; very easily his fate could be yours or another character’s.

Which makes it all the more remarkable when you somehow do keep Tanaka alive and he forms a friendship with Marcoh, the boxer, and Marcoh teaches Tanaka how to fight! And if you fight Tanaka after this, he’s legitimately stronger.

If Marcoh mutates into the Monster, Tanaka will be nearby, but rather than being kind of a pathetic little bitch, his resolve is steel and he wants to avenge Marcoh for the gods’ injustice against him.

And this all happens OFF SCREEN. Without much player input (aside from keeping Marcoh and Tanaka alive).

And there are many of these interactions (Marcoh and Olivia, Marina and Levi, etc) where the player is rewarded for keeping characters alive via unique interactions keying into their personalities/philosophies. I haven’t even discovered them all, but each party talk and playthrough reveals more and more abt these characters. And in a game where knowledge is so essential, that’s beautiful.

F&H 1 doesn’t have explicit character interactions, but what is there is fucking hilarious. Cahara the Mercenary, will ask Ragnvaldr the Outlander not to “destroy my anus with those big muscles of yours” when they fuck on a ritual circle. When you get thrown into the primordial green soup, you find Enki the Dark Priest in a random hole in the ground, and instead of acknowledging that, he just spits lore at you before rejoining your party.

Moonless, a dog that looks like this

protects the little Girl in this hellscape. This game is just as committed to its gameplay as it is the characters living through this hellscape, and that’s why I love this fucking game.

You have to be a masochist to play it, but god dammit is it worth it to see these silly little characters have their silly little interactions, being human in the face of absolute terror and starvation.

This answer is probably completely deranged and nonsensical, but hope it helps? :3

[simmancy]

I’m planning on playing a Stardew Valley-inspired save and was wondering what mods you’d recommend using.

I don’t expect to get things 1:1, but I’d like to have some mods that add and expand on the gardening system and relationships.

So first as a disclaimer I'm going to out myself and say I'm not a SDV girlie--I grew up with Harvest Moon/Story of Seasons and they're what scratches my cozy farming itch--but they're similar enough and I do have a whole ass farm save to one day return to so...

For vanilla gameplay, you can get a basic cozy farming save going with Cats & Dogs, Seasons and Cottage Living but these mods SHOULD enhance your gameplay overall. I've used most of them to varying degrees in the past--anything I haven't used I marked, but they come from creators that I highly recommend.

As always, read the requirements for each mod! A lot require the XML Injector, and relationship ones often require the Mood Pack.

This mod list was written on Patch 1.98.158.1020 / Mac: 1.98.158.1220 (June 13 2023).

Mods for Better Relationships

First Impressions by Lumpinou: I know I always suggest this one, but if you are doing ANY sort of save where romance/relationship building is a core part of it, you want this! Starting off strong with a villager is a good thing! OR you can have enemies-to-lovers!

RPO by Lumpinou: I also always suggest this one. If you don't have it, please get it! It's beautiful! It's powerful! I honestly use all the modules, but I would specifically suggest Modules 15 & 17 here as they add to relationships. Module 17 is the new RPO Attraction system. But it's nice to have the rest of it too if you don't already, especially if you're planning on kids in your save. It really adds to the gameplay to find your ~ideal partner~ and then it turns out they don't want kids when you do :O

Road to Romance by Lumpinou: This adds a romance skill to the game, with custom interactions. Add in for more in-depth romance. (It also adds in rabbit hole dates which I like to get sims offscreen for a minute)

Have Some Personality Please! by Polarbearsims: This one I suggest to help with autonomy. You want your potential love interests to act of their own accord? Their traits to matter? Get this. It'll help. It can also block off romantic interactions :) so you feel like you've earned the heart events you're imagining

Wonderful Whims by Turbodriver: I'm not currently using either WW in my saves but I would suggest it for the attraction system, as again that will help with your quest for love. It can work in tandem with the attraction system from RPO as well :)

Home Regions by Kuttoe: this isn't really a relationship mod, but I would use it anyway JUST to keep your SDV sims in town where they belong... and keep the other townies OUT. You can set which TS4 worlds you want to see overlap from as well (like if you want some out of town visitors from Windenburg showing up, etc). Fun fact, it also fixes the problem where all your townies are Japanese so

No Randoms by Zero: and finally, this also isn't a relationship mod but it's pretty handy. Maybe you're like me and you don't want the default Mayor in your cozy farm save. You created your OWN characters to fill that role. Well, with this, you can assign the NPC roles in the game. Henford-on-Bagley has several NPC roles that play into the "story" of the world (Mayor, Garden Stall owner, Agatha & Agnes, Creature Keeper, etc) so it's definitely helpful for that!

Mods for Better Farmlife

Free Range by lot51: this mod lets your cows and llamas roam freely without the Animal Shelter. They DO make messes that you'll have to clean up though (cow pies, trash, etc) and there's a few other extra little things like fairy circles that can spring up :)

Bug Life by lot51: and THIS mod brings bugs to your active lots. I always did a lot of bug collecting to make extra money in my Harvest Moon games.

Bird Life by lot51: I have NOT tried this mod out yet but I'm adding it already because if you're going to add Free Range and Bug Life already... Enhance the outdoors! Why not! Bring your farm to life! BIRDWATCH! (has anyone else played Wingspan? great game)

Farm Animal Set by TheKalino: this adds more custom animals to the game, some of which you can harvest wool or eggs from. Some are just aesthetic. They're added to the Animal Shelter. Nice to expand your farm options, if that's something you want to do!

Cottage Living Tweaks by Zero: specifically Agatha & Agnes are Mortal; Village Gossipers are Residents; Dogs Chase Foxes More Often; and Patchy Scares Foxes (that's right. Use that scarecrow for something). These are just little tweaks to help you out. To be fair, if you're using Home Regions I don't think you'll need Village Gossipers are Residents but I also don't trust TS4 and I used them both at the same time in the past so.

Better Animal Hygeine, Better Animal Hunger, Better Animal Activity by LittleMsSam: these are small tweak mods just to make your life easier with the animals. :)

Calm Bees by LittleMsSam: if you want to add beekeeping to your farm (I would), this is a nice little addition to calm your bees tf down!

Flower Arrangements slower decay by LittleMsSam: I don't remember the Harvest Moon game I got REALLY into doing flower arrangements for, but there was definitely one and I definitely spent a lot of time doing them and gifting them to my love interest. So I'm suggesting it for that reason lmao

More Woodworks by LittleMsSam: you know, just in case your farmer is really into crafting...

Pets Everywhere by Kuttoe: adds stray cats & dogs to every world, including Henford-on-Bagley. Nice if you want to play it as if your farmer befriends the dog and they join the household that way.

Dairy Cowplant by Icemunmun or Cowplant Farming by BrazenLotus: you could have both of them but I think it's just easier to pick one. These add new cowplant varieties that make... milk! They can also make different kinds of milk.... See below with the harvestables... I feel like the Cowplant really does fit with Harvest Moon/Story of Seasons' level of quirky, you know?

Functional Mill, Plant Milk Press, Dairy Churn by Icemunmun: these are custom objects to, again, add onto your gameplay. They work with the custom harvestables below to add some more stuff for your farmers to create. And they're very on theme.

Cheesemaking Skill by BrazenLotus: another custom object/mod/skill that adds to what your farmers can make. I have NOT tried it yet but I'm honestly about to throw it into my game today because I'm obsessed with the very IDEA of it. I've used BrazenLotus mods in the past so I can recommend

Custom Recipes and Harvestables

One of the best parts of these cozy farming games has always been the cooking, right? The custom harvestables will add more variety to your farm... The custom recipes are just my suggestion to spice up your game. I am a glutton for custom recipes, tbh. Besides, the way to a love interest's heart is through their stomach, right? What better way to

Custom Harvestables by Icemunmun

Custom Foods by Icemunmun (requires custom food interaction)

Custom Foods by BrazenLotus (there are a LOT here--BrazenLotus has a whole homesteading section which is really cool and was not there the last time I went to their site and I'm literally obsessed)

Grannie's Cookbook by Littlbowbub

Oni's Food Mod (I use this one the least--right now in my "gutted' mod folder I only have Grannie's Cookbook--but I've used it in the past and still highly recommend)

Hopefully this helps! Happy simming!

[narrativelysignificantturtleduck]

my general take on the "deserted the military" part of the piandao backstory is that i prefer a slight tweak where it's more of a "he didn't re-enlist when most people would" kind of thing, a "served his time and got out" sort of situation. a little odd, but technically above board. it fits better with him training zuko - i can't see allowing a traitor to train the prince, even if he's the unfavorite child - and doesn't conflict with jeong jeong and chey being the first deserters.

that said, i think people forget/don't know that after he left the military he "traveled the world for many years, studying under a variety of benders, warriors, and artisans." even if he did straight-up desert, that means the fire nation could've been searching the earth kingdom for years and only realized he was back in the fire nation when he started rising to prominence with his teaching business. i still prefer my tweak, bc it would make it easier for him to travel and study if he wasn't living on the run, but i think it's worth noting that piandao wasn't just able to stay in the fire nation as a traitor. jeong jeong wasn't stupid for fleeing into the woods. piandao had to flee the country too.

honestly in general i think people fixate too much on this part of piandao's backstory. imo the most interesting parts are the aforementioned traveling-the-world phase and that he was abandoned by his parents at an orphanage for being a nonbender. what does killing 100 soldiers actually mean for him as a character? we already know he's a badass, we saw him fight comet-powered firebenders and win. his parents abandoning him adds an extra depth to his relationship with sokka, because it reads as him trying to be the supportive parental figure that he didn't have at that age. that he's traveled the world explains his membership in the white lotus & his belief that the arts don't belong to one nation, plus it provides some fertile story ground. where did he go? what kind of people did he meet? how did his perspective on the war evolve?

like idk, the whole backstory is there on the wiki for everyone to read and i feel like the prominent part of it being that he killed a bunch of people speaks to an obsession with ruthless violence as cool that just fucking annoys me tbh

[thingummies-and-whatsits]

Lewis Fic Recs: In Other Lives

Alternate universes, near to ours. As usual this is far from exhaustive, so please feel free to add to the list!.

Distinguishing Features by divingforstones

6,594 Words, James/Robbie, Rated G, No Archive Warnings Apply Evil Twin AU. Robbie notices something different about James, though no one else believes him. There's just... less of him, somehow. A unique premise, brilliantly executed, as an exploration of what it means to truly know and care for someone.

Dreaming Spires by Hekate1308

6,027 Words, James/Robbie, Rated G, No Archive Warnings Apply Academic AU. James becomes a professor at Lonsdale College, and gets a chance to meet the renowned Professor Robert "Call Me Robbie" Lewis. This fic does a great job reworking each character into the new setting while remaining true to their personalities. Robbie especially is an ideal teacher with the warm affection and support he shows his colleagues and students.

The Theologian's Tale by Ygern

17,254 Words, James/Robbie, Rated E, No Archive Warnings Apply Academic AU. In the depths of his grief over Val's death, Robbie spends the nights before his departure to the BVI with a young theology student. Fate brings them together again and again over the years, and though bad timing and missed chances get in the way, the connection they made that first night never completely fades.

For the Love of Gummy Bears by redvalerian

2,445 Words, James & Robbie, Rated G, No Archive Warnings Apply Priest AU. Casefic. In a world where James never left the seminary, Father Hathaway brings Inspector Lewis a clue in a missing child case. James is just as sharp, even when not a detective, and the bond between him and Lewis still feels like home, even when they've only just met.

In Another Life by loves_books

2,409 Words, James & Robbie, Rated T, No Archive Warnings Apply Musician AU. Robbie, once a drummer for the band Endeavour, returns to the music scene—and to Oxford—for the first time since Val's death. During sound checks, Robbie notices the young guitar player who'll be opening for them, and discovers how much they have in common.

Equine Nine by McG

18, 215 Words, James/Robbie, Rated M, No Archive Warnings Apply Horse Trainer AU. After the death of his wife, Robbie returns to the UK to work as trainer and yard manager for the notoriously prickly James Hathaway. The author's knowledge of and passion for horses really shines through, and the details of the horse world are immersive without ever becoming overwhelming.

The Graveyard Shift by redvalerian

602 Words, James/Robbie, Rated T, No Archive Warnings Apply Hospital AU. Outsider POV. Established relationship - or is it? In this humorous oneshot, two nurses have a discussion about their colleagues behind the on-call desk, and a trip to the grocery store turns out to be quite revealing.

Só um beijo (Just A Kiss) by Ygern

8,655 Words, James/Robbie, Rated E, No Archive Warnings Apply. Hairdresser AU. When Innocent orders a rumpled Lewis to get a haircut before his speech the next day, he finds himself drawn to the hairdresser with the soothing voice. With the added bonus of getting to see James play with his band.

Thus the Quiet-Coloured Eve by misbegotten

3,333 Words, James/Robbie, Rated T, No Archive Warnings Apply. Coffee-Shop AU. Robbie tries out a new coffee shop and slowly falls in love with the owner. Such a comforting fic, the setting allows James to remain his usual self but without the added weight of detective work pressing down on him. Plus his guitar is an extra treat.

Competition by iloveyoudie

270 Words, pre-James/Laura/Robbie, Rated G, No Archive Warnings Apply Coffee-Shop AU. Laura and James watch the new guy at work in Laura's cafe, and decide that sometimes sharing is better than competition. This short little fic hints at so many tantalizing possibilities between them!

The Haunted Bookshop by owlbsurfinbird

2,178 Words, James & Robbie, past Robbie/Val, Rated T, No Archive Warnings Apply Bookstore AU with a hint of the supernatural. A mixture of melancholy and gentle hopefulness. A gentleman enters James’ bookshop one Samhain and finds a book that’s been waiting there for him for ten long years—and with it the possibility of a friend.

[theessaflett]

'A Real-Life Dawes' : Musings on Hell Bent, Witchcraft and the Sorcery of Cooking

There’s a line in Leigh Bardugo’s Hell Bent when the protagonist, Alex, realises that she’s been underestimating Pamela Dawes, her colleague and sort-of friend. Gathered after a particularly gruelling day - it’s a ‘saving the world before lunch’ sort of book - Alex looks at Pamela as she prepares and presents food for all the team and realises that she is, in fact, powerful. Surrounded by ghosts, curses, demons and prophesies Alex has never stopped to realise that there was a witch in her own house, all along: one quietly helping and healing through the sorcery of cooking. 

I love Pamela Dawes. It was one of the best days of my life when, at a Leigh Bardugo fan event in February 2023, the excited twenty-one year olds beside me in the queue quickly christened me “a real life Dawes.” “She’s even got snacks!” one cried as, concerned by the fact that none of them had remembered to eat lunch, I found granola bars in my bag and firmly offered them to the group. When I finally reached Bardugo’s signing table, I happily mentioned the comment and she was kind enough to see how much it had meant to me and continue the hype. 

“Oh my god, yes! You’ve got the hair!”

 It’s wasn’t just the hair, or the granola bars, or general lack of glossy femininity. Dawes is about my age, the same gap in years between her and the other characters in the book as there was between me and the twenty-one year olds in the queue. She complains about blood stains not coming out of clothes and rashly made plans which hinge too much on optimistic bravery and not enough on pragmatic strategy. And when the heroes limp home having heeded none of her sensible advice, she makes them hot chocolate. If it’s a particularly bad day she adds an extra marshmallow. 

It’s not surprising that Alex, the main character in the Ninth House series, takes a whole book and a half to realise that Dawes is magical. Dawes is quietly anxious; Dawes is quietly sad; Dawes is quietly lost. Dawes is, overall, quiet. A woman who has gotten lost inside the depths of academia and academic promise and wants to stay there, isolated and safe. To a brash, bold survivor like Alex, Dawes seems weak. Someone who hides, even from herself. But by the end of Hell Bent, there is the promise of more. Dawes is, finally, beginning to realise her potential.

I lived in London for seven years. For those seven years, I didn’t really cook.  There just wasn’t time, and besides, cooking just didn’t seem appealing when I was constantly on the edge of nausea. A mixture of travel sickness, tiredness and stress meant that I never felt well, my upset stomach such a constant that I stopped even noticing it. It was only when a colleague of mine described the symptoms of her chemotherapy treatment and I realised it was what I pretty much felt like all the time in my day to day life that the reality of the situation truly hit.

This isn’t working. 

I moved out of London soon after, but then: 2020. 

I tried to use all my free time in my family home to get back into cooking - I’d loved cooking as a teenager, surely it was possible to learn to love it once more - but the nausea remained. It’s not much fun coming up with new recipes when you have to lie in bed for two hours afterwards with debilitating IBS.

 September came and went. I moved into my new flat in Aberdeen; I started a Masters course, first in person and then online when the University gave up and moved the degree fully onto Zoom after Christmas break. 

First one person dropped out, then two. By the end of the Masters I was the only full-time student left. 

Still, I tried to cook. 

As someone with more food intolerances than would seem physiologically possible, my only chance of eating nice food is to make nice food. It felt like failure after failure. Pesto and pasta would work for a while; then it would make me ill. One week I’d be able to eat feta; the next it would give me acid reflux. Alone in my flat, lost in the depths of academia and hiding from even myself, I despaired at my situation. 

Someone who loved food, cursed to feel continually poisoned by it. 

Still, I tried to cook. 

A year went by, then two. 

I went to see a health specialist, who advised that along with the long, long list of foodstuffs I’d independently realised I couldn’t eat - “you’re the second most severe case I’ve seen in twelve years”- I also should avoid starch, and anything fermented. I stopped battling with tofu. I cut down on gherkins. (I refuse to not eat any gherkins. A woman needs reasons to get up in the morning.) Gradually, lopsidedly, in a very non-linear sort of way, trying to cook slowly turned into cooking. 

There are no guarantees with food. There is still the chance that a meal which worked fine yesterday will make me feel ill today. That bread is one day off? You tried to eat that cheese whilst upset about something? Forget about it. But as my life slowly levels, my ability to digest, to enjoy food seems to be slowly levelling with it. And, as it does, something else is slowly coming to the surface too.

To be a hedge witch is to be a witch alone. Classic descriptions of the witch type are ‘someone who practices rituals like tarot […] or has some physic ability […] a wise woman living on her own.’ The definition, as found on Mabon House’s website, expands to describe this woman ensuring the well being of those she loves though imbuing magical thoughts into everyday small tasks. Such as cooking. 

If someone was to ask me what sort of witch I aspired to be - not a topic of conversation which comes up very often, it has to be said - I would probably say hedge witch through sheer necessity. There’s not exactly a ready made, non-gender essentialist, queer-friendly coven knocking at my door ready to go, after all. But that’s not the only reason.

As this settling continues and I level out into my late twenties, as I finally have the space to sort through the baggage and trauma I’ve somehow acquired in the last ten years, it’s a relief to find truer versions of myself buried down deep under all the masks, personas and lies. 

The world wasn’t ready for me, aged 17. It wasn’t gentle. It wasn’t kind. 

So many things were lost in my desperate scrabble for survival. 

Cooking wasn’t the only thing to fall through the gaps. 

As I sit here writing this, however, I am a woman who is in the process of reclaiming herself. The reclaiming isn’t finished. I’m not sure if reclaiming can ever be finished. But as I look at the dried garden mint hanging from the wall, the incense smoke in the air, the flickering candle on the altar and the kettle on the boil I know that I, just like Dawes, am beginning to step into my potential.

If food is a hedge witch’s power, then I am becoming powerful indeed. Friends who come round to my house are full of home-made snacks and herbal tea by the time they leave. My parents might not eat the same meals as me - it’s just easier for me to eat solo when they have dinner at 6pm and I’m lucky if I’ve remembered about the concept of dinner by 8pm - but I often gift them little offerings, fresh from my own plate.  A roast potato each, eaten with much delight. An unexpected batch of stewed apples cooked with cinnamon and nutmeg, enough for all three of us. This year, for the first time, I’ve volunteered myself as the cook for Christmas Day lunch.

When Bardugo wrote the character of Pamela Dawes, she wrote a character for all of us who aren’t very good at remembering we’re the protagonists of our stories. Perhaps confidence, like mine, was forced out of us with blank looks and unkind jokes. Perhaps confidence wasn’t something we were very good at to begin with. It’s been a beautiful thing to see my own confidence grow this past year, every tray, pot and tin, every meal cooked, leading me back to my most magical self.

“You’re a real life Dawes!”

I’m beginning to think that those twenty-one year olds may have been right. 

[na102]

I've now watched both seasons of Wheel of Time and they're great!!! I haven't read the books and am curious- what do you like/not like about them, and would you recommend them? (Also are they gay)

Yay! I'm glad you like the show! I do recommend the books they obviously have their flaws but are worth it and while it's not direct I saw it as very gay.

The rest of this is a detailed rant going more in depth. With some (mild mild) spoilers

I really love the world building and detail it just sucks you in. The story arcs themselves are fantastic ive never felt such euphoria at climaxes than I do with this book series it's also the only one to ever make me cry same goes for the characterization. I could go on and on about what I love about this series. However I will sum it that for everything I disliked there is 10 more things I liked.

when it comes to female characters this is probably some of the best female centred fiction I have ever read pre Locked Tomb and Baru Cormorant. Just women who aren't completely men obsessed that are independent, brave, talented, heroic and just their own character. In addition many of them are ambitious.

When it comes to gayness that depends on how much you are okay with reading in between the lines. The earlier and middle books it is HEAVILY implied that many Aes Sedai are or have been at one point lesbian lovers "pillow friends". There is also some Polyamory (spelled incorrectly the one where it's people who share the same spouse but don't sleep with each other )

despite that distinction there are a LOT of women who are very *close* to each other including ones In The same polycule.

The books are very long that's both a pro and con.

One of the things I'm not a huge fan of is how the series does change genres. The 1st few books are more of coming of age and then you get court drama but the build up is worth and it's still a great read. It takes you through their whole lives. I recommend starting with the Prequel New Spring if u are going to read them it adds extra layers to the earlier parts.

The series also changes with the last few books( Robert Jordan passed away while still writing the series so Brandon Sanderson completed the books based on his notes). This is where a lot of issues come into play. With only notes he does wrap it up nicely however he does flub some characterization. The main issues center around the female characters.

Despite some of the great writing of women it is still written by a man a while back. There are some negative portrayals,stereotypes by Robert Jordan .They are also a little less free with sexual expression. There is way(way) less sex than the show but the characters are also a little younger and it fits the setting. everything else outweighs it. Believe me there are many scenes that are better and more intimate then sex ones.

It gets much worse when Sanderson takes over. A lot of the near canon lesbianism is removed and there are a lot of submissive portrayals of women in addition to just out of character behavior. However with the book wrapping up you are very much distracted by everything else going on and the ending is so well done and cathartic I didn't even really care.

But it was overall a groundbreaking work of fiction. To this day it is still my all time favorite series. I think it's the best epic fantasy series there is. There are so many different worlds and so many different stories within it. It changed my life.

Sorry about the rant hope this helps. I do 100% recommend the book series. I also recommend using your local library if possible cuz there are lot of books in the series and it can get pricy buying them.

[ronaldanthony4]

I’ve created another digital artwork, and, as usual, it’s a fan art. This time, I’ve drawn a character who’s close to my heart—BJ, the lively yellow Protoceratops from Barney & Friends. Now, some people might not remember him as clearly as Barney himself, but to me, BJ is every bit as memorable. His unique character and vibrant appearance always stood out in the colourful world of Barney, and I thought he’d be the perfect addition to my fan art collection.

BJ is a seven-year-old dinosaur, full of energy and mischief. Every time I watched him on Barney & Friends, I felt like his spirit brought an extra spark to the show. His design is so distinct—he’s a bright yellow Protoceratops, which, as many of you know, is a dinosaur with a distinctive frill and beak. BJ’s frill is large and adorned with purple spots, which are scattered all over his body as well. I made sure to capture those spots in my artwork, dotting them around his arms, legs, and even his cheeks. They add such personality to his look, almost like a hint of freckles, and they make him feel even more real and alive.

Of course, no picture of BJ would be complete without his iconic red baseball cap. It’s such a classic part of his look—worn backwards, with a tuft of hair peeking out right in front. I like to think that hair tuft is BJ’s way of showing he’s just a little bit rebellious, a little bit cooler than your average seven-year-old dinosaur. His red cap, like his character, is bold and bright, a colour that stands out and draws attention. I made sure to add shading to his cap to give it depth and realism, and the little tuft of hair just beneath it is a personal touch I had fun drawing. It adds a softness to his otherwise sturdy, dinosaur look, and makes him appear even more endearing.

BJ’s red and white sneakers are another trademark part of his outfit, and I had a lot of fun illustrating those. They’re chunky, with oversized white laces that stand out against the bright red of the shoes. In the show, his shoes always gave him a sporty look, which makes sense since BJ is always on the move. Whether he’s playing a game, riding his scooter, or just running around, those sneakers are practically made for adventure. In my artwork, I paid extra attention to those details—adding little highlights and shadows to make the sneakers look realistic, as though you could almost reach out and touch them.

But BJ’s personality is what really brings the character to life. I tried to capture his playful expression—his eyes wide and full of curiosity, a friendly smile on his face. BJ has always had this slightly mischievous look about him, like he’s ready to jump into the next game or come up with a fun idea. Drawing his facial expression was one of the most enjoyable parts of the process. I wanted to show that spark, that hint of energy that he carries with him everywhere. His eyes are a warm shade of brown, with little highlights to make them look alive. It’s amazing how much character you can bring out with just a few details in the eyes and mouth.

There’s a lot more to BJ than just his appearance, though. He was named after Sheryl Leach’s father, Billy Joe “B.J.” Stamps, as a way of honouring him. From what I understand, B.J. Stamps was a significant influence on Sheryl Leach, and this naming choice was a heartfelt memorial to him after he passed away near the end of Barney & Friends’ first season. Originally, his name was spelled with periods as “B.J.”, but eventually, they simplified it to just BJ. This change helped avoid the inevitable questions from young fans about what the letters stood for. And now, in the latest series, "Barney’s World," they’ve gone even further and evolved his name to Billy. It’s a thoughtful progression, almost as if the character himself is growing up.

BJ is more than just a friend to Barney—he’s part of a little family of friends that makes the show so special. He’s the older brother of Baby Bop, a role he takes seriously in his own charming way. He calls her “Sissy” most of the time, which I think is adorable. It’s a sibling nickname that shows his affection, though on rare occasions, he’ll use her actual name. It’s these little details that make their relationship feel genuine and relatable. Even though they’re dinosaurs from the imagination of children, BJ and Baby Bop have this real sibling bond that makes them feel like part of our own families.

Then there’s his cousin, Riff, who’s also his best friend. The dynamic between BJ and Riff is a lot of fun—they share a lot of interests, especially when it comes to music. Riff, as you might know, is all about music and rhythm, and BJ loves the drums. BJ players drum in his rock band, BJ and the Rockets. BJ is often seen with his drumsticks, tapping out rhythms and adding his own beat to any situation. I imagine him as the kind of kid who can’t resist tapping on any surface he finds, always creating a beat, always adding a bit of music to life.

When I look back at BJ’s character in Barney & Friends, what really stands out is his boundless energy and his love for sports. BJ is the kind of dinosaur who’s always moving, always ready for the next game or adventure. Whether it’s baseball, basketball, or soccer, BJ throws himself into every sport with enthusiasm. He’s never met a sport he didn’t like, and I think that makes him relatable to a lot of kids watching the show. Sports are a way for BJ to express himself, to channel all that energy into something fun and constructive. In my artwork, I tried to capture that sense of movement, that readiness to leap into action at any moment.

One of my favourite aspects of BJ’s character is his superhero alter-ego, Captain Pickles. It’s a playful side of him that shows his imagination and his love for a good adventure. The name “Captain Pickles” is a nod to his favourite snack, pickles, which I think is such a quirky and charming detail. Every time BJ pretends to be Captain Pickles, he’s showing us the power of imagination, of transforming yourself into something brave and heroic. Drawing BJ made me think of how much fun he’d be having as Captain Pickles, zooming around and saving the day in his own playful way.

BJ’s enthusiasm and impulsive nature make him a bit of a handful sometimes, but that’s part of what makes him so loveable. He’s the type of character who doesn’t always think things through, who acts first and thinks later. But he’s also quick to apologise and make things right. He cares deeply about his friends and family and is always ready to help, even if he might get himself into a bit of trouble along the way. This combination of impulsiveness and kindness is something I wanted to reflect in his expression—he’s not perfect, but he’s genuine, and that’s what makes him such a beloved character.

Creating this fan art of BJ was more than just a drawing exercise; it was a chance to reconnect with a character who represents so many good memories. In every line and colour, I tried to bring out his personality, to show not just what he looks like but who he is. BJ might be a character from a children’s show, but he has layers, and there’s a lot to appreciate about him. His bravery, his curiosity, his love for fun and adventure—they’re all qualities that make him someone to look up to, even as a dinosaur in a child’s imagination.

As I finished the artwork, adding the final touches and shading, I felt a sense of satisfaction. BJ looked back at me from the screen, his bright yellow frill spotted with purple, his cap tilted just right, and that friendly, slightly mischievous smile on his face. It felt like he was ready to jump out of the picture and go on his next adventure. And maybe that’s the magic of BJ and characters like him—they make you feel like there’s always another game to play, another mystery to solve, another friend to help.

In the end, creating this piece reminded me of why I love drawing characters like BJ. They’re simple, but they’re also deeply meaningful. They bring out the best in us, reminding us of the joy of imagination and the importance of friendship. BJ is more than just a yellow dinosaur with a red cap and sneakers; he’s a symbol of everything fun and innocent about childhood. And as long as we have characters like him, there will always be a reason to celebrate imagination, kindness, and the magic of being a kid.

[factorytapestry1]

Discover the Beauty of Tapestry: Elevate Your Space with Timeless Elegance

In the world of interior design, few elements bring as much character and warmth to a room as a beautifully crafted tapestry. These woven masterpieces have graced the walls of homes, castles, and cathedrals for centuries, and today, they continue to be a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of elegance and history to their living spaces. If you're considering adding a Tapestry for Sale to your home, you're not just buying a piece of decor; you're investing in a timeless art form that transcends trends and seasons.

The Rich History of Tapestries

Tapestries have a long and storied history, dating back to the Middle Ages when they were used to insulate castles and grand homes while depicting historical events, religious scenes, and mythological tales. These intricate textiles were painstakingly handwoven by skilled artisans, often taking years to complete a single piece. The tapestries of old were not only functional but also served as a symbol of wealth and status.

Today, while the process of creating a tapestry has evolved with modern technology, the essence remains the same. Each tapestry tells a story, whether it's a reproduction of a famous work of art, a contemporary design, or an abstract pattern. The beauty of a tapestry lies in its ability to connect the past with the present, making it a perfect addition to any home.

Why Choose a Tapestry?

When it comes to interior decor, tapestries offer a unique blend of versatility and sophistication. Here are a few reasons why a tapestry might be the perfect choice for your space:

Versatility: Tapestries come in a wide range of sizes, colors, and designs, making it easy to find one that complements your existing decor. Whether you have a modern, minimalist space or a more traditional home, there's a tapestry that will fit perfectly.

Texture and Warmth: Unlike framed prints or photographs, tapestries add a rich texture to your walls. They can soften the look of a room, making it feel more inviting and cozy. The fabric also adds a layer of warmth, both literally and figuratively, which is especially beneficial in colder climates.

Storytelling: Each tapestry tells a unique story. Whether it's a depiction of a famous historical event or a serene landscape, a tapestry can serve as a conversation starter, adding depth and character to your home.

Durability: Tapestries are known for their durability. When properly cared for, they can last for generations, becoming treasured family heirlooms. Unlike other forms of wall art, which may fade or deteriorate over time, tapestries retain their vibrancy and charm.

Finding the Perfect Tapestry for Sale

When searching for a Wall Art Tapestry, it's important to consider the quality of the piece. Look for tapestries that are made from high-quality materials, such as wool, cotton, or silk, and pay attention to the craftsmanship. The best tapestries are those that have been carefully woven with attention to detail, ensuring that the design is clear and the colors are vibrant.

You can find tapestries for sale at a variety of places, including specialized online retailers, home decor stores, and antique shops. If you're looking for something truly unique, consider purchasing a vintage or antique tapestry. These pieces often come with a rich history and can add an extra layer of character to your home.

 

Adding a tapestry to your home is more than just a design choice; it's an opportunity to bring a piece of history and art into your space. Whether you're drawn to the rich textures, the storytelling aspect, or the timeless elegance that a tapestry offers, there's no doubt that this versatile piece of decor will elevate your space. So, when you're on the hunt for the perfect tapestry for sale, remember to choose a piece that resonates with you, and enjoy the beauty and warmth it brings to your home for years to come.

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Back 4 Blood’s Deck System Adds Depth with Unique Builds

Back 4 Blood doesn’t front like it’s anything more than a chaotic zombie shooter. You’ve got four peeps, aka “Cleaners,” who are basically forced to turn into total badasses after a world-ending event, battling hordes of Riddens (aka zombies) in a co-op bloodbath. If you're looking to buy Xbox games with a similar co-op experience and relentless action, this one's a solid choice. It’s got the same vibe as the old-school games, but Turtle Rock knew they couldn’t just slap a new coat of paint on Valve’s stuff. These aren’t just random dudes with guns—they’re seasoned pros with unique skills that boost the squad. Take “Mom,” for instance—she’s clutch because she can revive teammates and give them extra lives. Each survivor has their own traits that hint at their role in the squad and what they should be doing. Plus, there’s a fresh twist: you can now build a deck of up to 15 cards each run, unlocking them as you smash through missions. These cards don’t just give you cool perks; they also let you specialize and play with different character builds, kinda like having separate classes.

In-Game Shop Offers Essential Upgrades Without Pay-to-Win Elements

Back 4 Blood’s RPG vibes go beyond just the card deck. The game’s weapons come with stats and can fit up to four mods, so you can really dial in your gameplay. If you're into customizing your loadout and are looking for similar experiences, you might want to buy PS5 games that offer deep weapon and gear customization. You gotta decide whether to stick with a weapon that’s modded up or swap it out for one with better base damage, which is a cool little challenge. About those cards: you “buy” them using supply points at your base (yeah, the base is now a living thing). As you play, these cards level up and get more specialized. But here’s the catch—at the start of a run, you don’t get to pick any card you want. Instead, the game gives you five to choose from, and you pick one for each node (the mini-missions). The card deck system will get easier as you play and get more cards. The tricky part is when you’re just starting out and don’t have many good cards yet. The game’s current card sorting system is kinda basic—only sorted by type—so it can be a pain to organize your decks. New to the game are corruption cards that give the horde some boosts and offer rewards for players, adding another layer of strategy. Plus, there’s an in-game shop in each safe house where you can spend currency on first aid kits, ammo, weapons, mods, buffs, bombs, and more. The good news? You won’t find any pay-to-win stuff here—real money doesn’t mess with gameplay.

Accessible Cross-Play and Smooth Performance Across Systems

These new features really level up what we’ve been wanting from the start. If you’re looking to experience this kind of progression in other games, consider using your time to buy PS5 games that deliver similar enhancements and innovations. The game’s fast pace, with barely any chill time in the safehouses, epic scripted moments, unexpected horde attacks, and last-second saves in tough spots—it’s all here. On the plus side, the variety of specials is cool, with different versions of the same elite requiring different strategies. The graphics aren’t exactly next-gen, but it doesn’t really mess with the experience. Consistent fps is way more important in a game that moves this fast than high-res models or effects. Since the game’s on Game Pass and is made to run on a bunch of different systems, its low requirements make it more accessible for online play. On the tech side, we were worried about smooth cross-play, but it works like a charm with no disconnects. Our team never had issues with gameplay. Any breaks we took were just us being lazy and not due to technical glitches.

Mission Accomplished: Back 4 Blood Delivers Thrilling Zombie Action

For PvP, Turtle Rock dropped the Swarm mode, which is kinda mid in our opinion. Players split into Ridden and Cleaners, switching roles each round, and the team that survives the longest as Cleaners wins. So, you play as both sides in a single round and see how long each team lasts. Cleaners get cards for buffs and some time to grab weapons and ammo, while Ridden get to use the Zombie Mutation System, which is like a talent tree with upgrades from earned xp. It’s cool to check out, but don’t expect anything mind-blowing. Mission accomplished! Back 4 Blood delivered exactly what we hoped for. The thrill of taking down creepy zombies with headshots and the adrenaline from those intense co-op moments never gets old.

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The Comprehensive Guide to Vintage Wooden Folding Chairs

Vintage furniture holds a unique charm and timeless appeal that modern pieces often can't match. Among the many types of vintage furniture, wooden folding chairs stand out for their practicality, durability, and aesthetic value. This comprehensive guide will delve into the world of vintage wooden folding chairs, exploring their history, styles, benefits, and tips for choosing and maintaining them. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just beginning to appreciate vintage furniture, this article will provide valuable insights into these classic pieces.

The Charm and Appeal of Vintage Wooden Folding Chairs

Vintage wooden folding chairs are not just functional furniture pieces; they are a testament to a bygone era's craftsmanship and design sensibilities. These chairs often feature intricate woodwork, high-quality materials, and a level of durability that modern mass-produced furniture rarely matches. The historical significance of these chairs adds to their charm, making them desirable for collectors and enthusiasts.

One of the main reasons vintage furniture, including wooden folding chairs, remains popular today is its unique aesthetic. Each piece tells a story, and the patina developed over the years adds character and depth. Unlike contemporary furniture, which can sometimes feel impersonal and uniform, vintage pieces bring a sense of history and individuality to any space.

Types and Styles of Vintage Wooden Folding Chairs

Vintage wooden folding chairs come in a variety of styles, each reflecting the design trends and craftsmanship of its time. Early 20th-century designs often feature simple, functional aesthetics with an emphasis on durability. These chairs were commonly used in schools, churches, and community events, making them a staple in many households.

Mid-century modern folding chairs, on the other hand, showcase sleek lines and innovative designs that emphasize both form and function. These chairs often incorporate elements like curved backs and tapered legs, reflecting the minimalist yet stylish approach of the mid-20th century.

Rustic and farmhouse-style folding chairs bring a sense of warmth and homeliness. Typically crafted from solid wood with a distressed finish, these chairs are perfect for creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The decorative details, such as carved patterns or painted finishes, further enhance their vintage appeal.

Benefits of Owning Vintage Wooden Folding Chairs

One of the primary benefits of vintage wooden folding chairs is their durability. Made from high-quality materials and constructed with expert craftsmanship, these chairs are built to last. Unlike many modern chairs, which may use cheaper materials and assembly-line production methods, vintage chairs were often handcrafted with care and precision.

The versatility of vintage folding chairs is another significant advantage. Their folding design makes them easy to store and transport, making them ideal for various settings and occasions. Whether you need extra seating for a family gathering, a unique accent piece for your living room, or a functional chair for your patio, vintage wooden folding chairs can meet these needs.

Aesthetic appeal is perhaps the most compelling reason to invest in vintage wooden folding chairs. Each chair is a unique work of art, with details and finishes that reflect its history and origins. Incorporating these chairs into your home can add a touch of elegance and character that mass-produced furniture cannot replicate.

How to Choose the Right Vintage Wooden Folding Chairs

When selecting vintage wooden folding chairs, several factors should be considered to ensure you find the perfect pieces. Authenticity is crucial; genuine vintage chairs will have a provenance that confirms their age and origin. Look for signs of wear that are consistent with age, such as a patina on the wood and signs of use on the folding mechanisms.

The condition of the chairs is another important consideration. While some wear and tear can add to the vintage charm, ensure that the chairs are structurally sound and free from significant damage. If necessary, consider whether the chairs can be restored and whether you are willing to invest in any required repairs.

Style compatibility is also essential. Vintage wooden folding chairs come in various designs, so choose pieces that complement your existing décor. Whether you prefer a rustic farmhouse look or a sleek mid-century modern style, there's a vintage folding chair to match your taste.

Finding genuine vintage pieces can be a rewarding experience. Antique stores and markets are great places to start, offering a wide selection and the opportunity to see the chairs in person. Online marketplaces and auctions can also yield unique finds, but be sure to buy from reputable sellers to avoid reproductions. Consulting with experts or reputable dealers can provide additional assurance of authenticity and quality.

Caring for and Maintaining Vintage Wooden Folding Chairs

Proper care and maintenance are essential to preserving the beauty and functionality of vintage wooden folding chairs. Regular cleaning with appropriate products is crucial. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the wood; instead, use gentle cleaners designed for antique furniture. Dusting the chairs regularly and applying a quality wood polish can help maintain their finish.

Addressing any wear and tear promptly is vital. Small repairs, such as tightening screws or fixing loose joints, can prevent more significant issues down the line. For more extensive restoration, consider seeking professional help to ensure the chairs are repaired correctly without compromising their vintage integrity.

Restoration and preservation are also key aspects of maintaining vintage wooden folding chairs. If the chairs have developed significant damage, professional restoration can breathe new life into them. This process might include refinishing the wood, repairing structural damage, or replacing worn-out components. Preservation efforts, such as applying protective finishes or using chair pads, can also help extend the lifespan of these cherished pieces.

Incorporating Vintage Wooden Folding Chairs into Your Home

Vintage wooden folding chairs can be seamlessly integrated into various interior design styles, adding a touch of elegance and history to your home. For a vintage or eclectic look, mix and match different styles and finishes to create a curated, collected-over-time feel. Pairing vintage chairs with modern furniture can also create a striking contrast, highlighting the unique qualities of each piece.

These chairs are highly versatile and can be used in multiple settings. In dining areas, they provide additional seating while adding character to the space. On patios or in gardens, they offer a charming and functional seating solution for outdoor gatherings. Inside, they can be used as accent chairs in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices, enhancing the room's overall aesthetic.

For special occasions and events, vintage wooden folding chairs add a unique and memorable touch. Whether for a wedding, a family reunion, or a holiday gathering, these chairs can elevate the atmosphere, making the event feel more personal and special.

Real-life Testimonials and Stories

Hearing from others who have incorporated vintage wooden folding chairs into their homes can provide valuable insights and inspiration. Many customers have shared positive experiences, highlighting the durability, beauty, and functionality of these chairs. For instance, one customer might recount how vintage folding chairs became the centerpiece of their dining room, creating a warm and inviting space for family meals.

Personal stories often reveal the sentimental and historical value of vintage pieces. A chair passed down through generations might carry cherished memories, while a unique find at a flea market could become a beloved addition to a home. These testimonials and stories underscore the emotional connection and sense of history that vintage wooden folding chairs can bring.

Conclusion

Vintage wooden folding chairs are more than just functional furniture pieces; they are timeless treasures that add elegance, character, and history to any space. Their durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal make them a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to enhance their home with unique and meaningful pieces. By choosing vintage wooden folding chairs, you not only acquire a beautiful piece of furniture but also preserve a piece of history. Explore local antique stores, browse online marketplaces, and consult with experts to find the perfect vintage chairs that will enrich your home for years to come.

FAQs

Q: How can I verify the authenticity of vintage wooden folding chairs? A: Look for signs of age, such as patina and wear on the wood, and check for any maker's marks or labels. Consulting with reputable dealers or experts can also help verify authenticity.

Q: What are the best ways to maintain and restore vintage wooden folding chairs? A: Regular cleaning with gentle products, addressing minor repairs promptly, and seeking professional restoration for significant damage are key to maintaining and restoring vintage chairs.

Q: Where can I find genuine vintage wooden folding chairs? A: Antique stores, markets, and online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy are great places to find vintage chairs. Buying from reputable sellers and dealers ensures you get authentic pieces.

Q: Are vintage wooden folding chairs comfortable to use? A: Yes, many vintage folding chairs are designed with comfort in mind, but adding cushions or pads can enhance their comfort for extended use.

Q: Can vintage wooden folding chairs be used outdoors? A: While many vintage chairs are durable, it's best to use them in covered outdoor areas or bring them indoors when not in use to protect them from the elements.