#and just HAVING ashton exist as a character with canonical chronic pain

[divinesouldariax]

In reference to my previous post (decided to make this a separate post instead of reblogging with the addition), here are some mechanical ways they could have possibly addressed a physical disability like Ashton's, as well as mechanics for their memory issues:

Memory

Disadvantage on intelligence checks involving recalling information

After being at 0 HP/unconscious, rolling a wisdom saving throw to determine some level of short-term memory loss upon awakening

Not necessarily mechanical, but just more explicit acknowledgement within the story of Ashton's TBI and the memory issues that were present but often laughed off near the beginning of the campaign

Chronic Pain/Physical Disability

This one is one I've been thinking about and also was suggested in the tags by @sentimentalginger, something as simple as using the exhaustion mechanics could work. Having Ashton roll a d20 during each long rest to determine if he could sleep or if their pain kept them awake

For a more complicated version, the number to hit on the dice could be modified depending on what had happened that day. Injuries and strenuous travel might set the DC at a 4, while on a day of light activity it could be only on a natural 1

Instead of a long rest itself, it could be a flare-up trigger mechanic. Some specific events (getting knocked out, carrying too much, taking fall damage, extreme temperatures, sleeping on the ground, etc) could either automatically cause a flare-up or require a constitution saving throw to avoid a flare-up.

The flare-up itself could use the exhaustion mechanic, or some debuffs more specific to Ashton

For example, disadvantage on strength and dexterity saving throws when not raging, reducing the amount of attacks he can do per turn, reducing their speed, prompting rolling saves for exhaustion during travel, prompting concentration checks if they use his Pass Without Trace racial feature (or any spells from items he might have)

There are plenty of other specific ways to do this, as long as there is some acknowledgement of the disability in the mechanics.

In general, just...let the disabled character be disabled. Let it mean something. Let it be acknowledged, let it limit them, let it inconvenience the other characters sometimes. That's how chronic pain and other disabilities work. They're not just an interesting story beat, they're not just backstory. They are definitionally disabling, don't pretend otherwise.

[critter-genfic-events]

FCG Genfic Fic Recs

Smiley Day to You! This week, we have seven fic recs that heavily feature Fresh Cut Grass! Look under the cut for delightful fluff, dedicated whump, and some fics in between. And as always, if you like them, don't forget to kudos or comment!

Solar Powered by ThatOneAceCryptid (458,General) Warnings: none Pairings: Ashton & Orym & FCG

Orym is a morning person, Ashton is not. FCG ponders if they could be solar powered.

Reccer says: A fun little slice of life fic dealing with these three characters getting along.

Enough by MasterQwertster (2224,Teen) Warnings: suicidal ideation by way of martyr complex Pairings: Ashton & Fresh Cut Grass

Ashton has finally had enough of Fresh Cut Grass's martyr complex

Reccer says: Really works well as a missing scene dealing with FCG's martyr complex, and interesting to revisit in light of current canon events.

It doesn't feel good by narukyuu (1064,Not Rated) Warnings: Depersonalization, torture, kidnapping, abuse, pain, whump Pairings: none

Fresh Cut Grass has experienced pain before, even if they would not classify that as truly "feeling." not in the way their Soul-touched friends do.

Reccer says: Robot-centered whump is relatively rare, and this one is brutally good

The Dull Ache by Avatarofurmom (1020,Teen) Warnings: Descriptions of chronic pain Pairings: Fresh Cut Grass & Ashton Greymoore

Ashton has dealt with their pain by themself for years. They aren't used to having someone willing to help

Reccer says: It's a lovely hurt comfort fic, with Ashton accepting help from FCG

silent killers are these years, comin’ like waves by lunarblazes (13440,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Ashton Greymoore & Fresh Cut Grass

An Urban Fantasy AU focusing on Ashton, with FCG as a constant companion

Reccer says: It's a very compelling AU, and I love the Ashton and FCG relationship in this

Art can never exist without naked beauty displayed by ChronicBookworm (909,General) Warnings: None Pairings: None

FCG sees an ad for nude models.

Reccer says: It's cute and funny and left a smile on my face

Aeorian Dreamer by Lizable (2490,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: FCG & Ashton Greymoore

FCG dreams of their what their life was like in Aeor

Reccer says: I liked it

If you liked this rec list, follow along for more! We'll be posting a new list with a new theme each Monday. Want to make your own recs? Check out the rules, and then use the form to submit!

Next week, we're featuring fics that have to do with forgiveness! Are they looking for forgiveness? Are they getting forgiven anyway? Are folks refusing to forgive? It's up to you!

The weeks after that, it's going to be Canon Divergent AU's, Grief, and then at the first of the year - Pike focused genfic!

If you're looking for some more, I just put some more posts for the critter genfic bingo tag in the queue! Or you can request your own card and join in on the fun!