#auburn arcana

[auburnarcana-streams]

Weekly schedule ( 1Oct23 - 7Oct23 )

I got around to setting up a side blog on Tumblr for updates on my Twitch stream! I stream my art and variety gaming (mostly indie games) on Twitch here: https://twitch.tv/Auburn_Arcana

I'll likely start with simple weekly schedules for now. Along with those, I'm also planning to post full timelapses, highlight videos, and announcements for special streams as they happen!

I look forward to seeing you all there!

[cloudcountry]

g guys. arcana fandom. Guys. why would you want routes for the courtiers. the only one i can understand is vlademar because apparently theyre popular but i do not understand the rest of them,,,

[dove-da-birb]

The Arcana OC & You Get to Vote for What Love Interest They End Up With (and self-insert, cringe is dead let me be happy)

Link to picrew~

Before the plague

After the plague

Name; Dove (they're just me, but like +10 years)

Occupation; Magician, fortune teller, apothecary (present), plague doctor (past)

Favourite Meal; Pumpkin bread

Favourite Drink; Strawberry and maple water

Favourite Flower; Goldenrod

Birthday; June 30th

Age; 32 (because everyone in this game is between like their late twenties to late thirties/early forties, so this is a compromise)

Zodiac Sign; Cancer

MBTI; ENFJ (pre-plague) INFP (post-plague)

Gender; Non-binary (they/them)

Sexuality; AroAce (pre-plague), questioning and confused (post-plague)

Height; 166 cm (5'5")

Eye Colour; Grey (picrew didn't have it so I went with blue)

Hair Colour; Brown

~~~~~~

Current personality; aloof yet polite when getting to know people, introverted and gets drained quite quickly when in public, quiet and doesn't speak much unless prompted to do so. When you get to know them better they are more warm, but still quiet. Will scold people for pushing themselves too hard, but only does so because they care. Once they are extremely comfortable with someone, the old them shines through; loud, a chatterbox, goofy, warm, and full of life and love. To others this is endearing, but to Asra? He loves seeing it but it is also a reminder of the person he lost.

Appearance; of average height, but their build is quite stocky with both body fat and muscle. Their eyes are dark grey, but appear dark blue at a distance, they are also near-sighted (eyesight worsened post-plague). Their hair is brown, curly, and when down it reaches their collarbone (both pre and post-plague). It is less textured than it was pre-plague, and they also wear it in a bun at the nape of their neck. They have an assortment of beauty marks on their face, as well as a scar on their lip that they got in their childhood (had the same mishap when they came back, hence why they still have it). They typically wear a short-sleeved white button up, brown trousers, dark brown sandals, and a black apron. They wear a purple crystal necklace and it acts as a ward to keep memories from flooding back, as well to ward off spirits of the plague.

Other Info/Background

After being brought back, Asra tried his best to reteach them what he knew about them. He knew about the non-binary aspect of their identity, but not the aroace aspect. They were quiet about this part of their identity in the past, and now they are navigating trying to differentiate romantic and platonic feelings all over again. (would be open to a queer-platonic relationship or several)

Grew up on the coast of the Strait of Seals, close the the Southern Spines (tundra/saiga).

Eldest of three, and left home to bring in more income for their community. They don't do well in the heat, but they do not miss the winters of their homeland, or what they can remember of it; they sometimes get a flashback when they smell certain smells, or a cold breeze.

Crochets and knits items for the children who live at the docks, and that's how they met Asra and Muriel; they were teens when they met, but they still gifted both Asra and Muriel blankets so they could keep warm during the night. They had to relearn this skill after being brought back, and can't crochet or knit with as much skill as they once had.

Their familiar is a Danish landrace goose named Gunnr, she makes a great guard goose and chases off anybody that she decides that she doesn't like. "Why is your goose named Gunnr?" "It means war, and she seems to like to declare it. Isn't that right baby?" "HONK!"

Might add more info to this later, but here, pick a LI for them to be in a QPR;

And if there is a tie, polyam qpr cuz I got two hands.

Finally was inspired to revisit my self-insert thanks to @azulashengrottospiano

[cloudcountry]

@xen-blank get him OUT of there

tragically, he's trying his best

[iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia]

heyoo dude, wassap, howzitgoin

asking for a drabble for the first time because why not 🤷🤷

could you write a drabble about cuddling birblian? i just- i love him so much, he's so precious and baby and he's so kakdjjdksjdksksjkk

The Arcana Drabbles: Cuddling Birblian

~ I generally only write for upright endings, but as this is my first drabble request and promises a fair amount of fluff, I'll make my exception XD. @dumbfxck00 enjoy! - brainrot ~

You're so glad he lets you hold him like this.

His large, lanky frame is curled around you where you sit cross-legged on the floor, head and shoulders nestled in your lap while he hides his face against your stomach. You watch shivers skitter through his feathers and across his skin as he clutches at your shirt and tries to relax. He says it's because he likes your smell, but you know it's because he's still self-conscious about his appearance.

You're combing your fingers carefully through the black plumage around the backs of his neck and shoulders, discarding broken and bent feathers, oh-so-gently carding through clumped tangles, lightly brushing the skin at the base of each straightened quill with the pads of your thumbs. You feel more than hear the involuntary trills he's muffling against your navel, even as he pretends his talon-like fingers aren't tapping in reflexive delight against your back. He shifts for a moment, taking a deep, shuddering breath as you finish preening him, only to curl even closer around you until you're leaning back against his thighs.

One grey eye, and then a second make an appearance as you absentmindedly stroke the feathers around his hairline. It almost feels like you're pushing his old auburn bangs out of his face like this. The brief respite and prolonged affection have worn his jaded guard down until he's been able to forget himself, to forget your fate, and now he's smiling up at you with the calm warmth of a sunny ocean breeze. You're both close to falling asleep for the night, but for a precious few minutes you're able to bask together in the quiet safety of a life you might've had.

[beanswrites]

Taking Care Of You ♡︎

this little drabble was requested (or more so forced to request) by the absolute wonderful @bananasharkie, who everyday helps cure my boredom with her ideas. and her love for julian. we love you, sharkie💗

i keep swearing i don't do the arcana anymore and here i am, very much still doing it

pairings: Julian Devorak (from The Arcana) x fem! reader

tags: fluff (like loads of it), comfort, cuddling, taking care of him, suggestive, implied smut, drunkness

summary: you take Julian home after a night of drinkining and take care of him

requests open!! | masterlist | rules for requesting

"Okay, come here, big boy.."

You pull him on the soft duvet of your room, towering over him in worry.

"You finished the water that I gave you?"

Julian nods, a little ashamed and hell of a lot embarassed. He hated that he had put you in a position where you had to take him home, or care for him.

"..'M, sorry.. Sorry, darlin'.." His words are slurred, incoherent - but you can sense the outline of a sencere apology in them.

"For what, Jules?"

"For mak'ng ya' take care 'f me.."

You search the shelfs of your and Asra's shared home, looking for a simple soberity potion to help him with his state.

"It's no trouble, Ilya, really. I don't mind taking care of the man I love. Plus, you know that I worry about your, darling"

His cheeks flame up along with the tips of his pale ears as you hand him the potion. Yet, he also feels immense guilt. It was never his intention to make you worry about his well-being, he never wanted to upset you in any way!

The doctor gulps down the potion in one go, feeling tired, but much better.

"Good?" You ask, gently laying down next to him.

"Yeah, good, uhm- Thank you, MC. Really. I promise it won't happen again, my love, I didn't know where to go and I didn't wanna sleep in my office-"

"C'mere, you big baby." You pull him by his bone-y shoulders and manouver him into your arms. The top of his auburn head is resting on the curve of your chest, your arms tightly around his back and waist. "You know you always have a place to sleep in my arms, right?"

Julian doesn't respond, wallowing in your scent with his eyes closed. He starts pressing shallow kisses on your chin and jaw, almost like silent little "I love you"s. With each passing moment, his kisses travel lower and lower, getting more fiery and passionate with each one. The underside of your neck, your collarbone, you shoulders... All the way down to your stomach, where his long, precise fingers work hard to unbutton your housedress.

"J-Julian? What are you doing?" You manage to stutter out as his kissed get lower and lower....

"Repaying you, doll. You take such good care of me, that I just wanna take care of you too.."

that's all for this one, i hope you like it!! thanks for reading!! and thank you, sharkie, for always handling my boredom perfectlyy🫶🏻

sorry if there are some mistakes, i'm beyond tired rn since it's like 12 am

[haruhar-u]

Haru’s moots :D

I forgot the order we became moots on my old account so this is the order on this account

@xen-blank: Xen/Luc/Levi: Skrunkly blorbo pookie. You are super cool and nice. Yout fun to talk to. I like talking to them. I trust you as much as you can trust someone on the internet. Supported me through the whole accidentally deactivated incident.Also an overall safe person for me. pnline sibloubf

@citrusitonit: Citrus: Fellow fuckling, biting you biting you. Who let you be so funny? Also you seem to always be online…

@minty-bubblegum: Minty: Mama :D. Also you have the same birthday as me which is super cool. Music taste is immaculate

@cheezy-moon: Moony: Based taste in characters. Also fellow fuckling. Super cool ocs and super nice. I like your energy

@leonistic: Soru: We don’t interact that much but we do you’re super sweet. Also your writing is just yes. I had a heart attack when you followed me

@dove-da-birb: Dove: one of my very first moots. Super cool. Like an older sibling to me. When they followed me a whole bunch of other followed me too. Bird mafia? Also your earring collection is super cool.

@lucent-blade: Lucent: we haven’t interacted once but your arcana takes are very good :).

@carmensdia: Eden: also haven’t interacted much but whenever we do your are super nice. I like having you on my dash. I like reading your opinions

@the-banana-0verlord: Lilian: Nice just nice. Offered to help me learn French. Super cool. I also had a heart attack when you followed me back. Super supportive too. Also you like fruits basket which is just yes

@ithseem: Ithseem: Super supportive and nice. Really cool ocs too! Also really cute chibis :D

@twistwonderlanddevotee: Sofia: we haven’t t interacted much but you’re super sweet and nice from what I seen.

@lu-lul: Lulu: my wifey and irl

@krenenbaker: Kren: super supportive and nice. Takes part in all my ask games and reblogs my writing a lot. Good vibes. I look up to you. Yes again like a older sibling to me.

@thekitchenywitch: We haven’t interacted much but you were surprised I saw one of your takes (which was an immaculate take in Asra btw) so I decided you’re cool.

@edith-is-apparently-a-cat: Edie: SUPER cool. You are very sweet I wanna swing you around and then squeeze you. You’re the last hope of wholesomeness on this hellsite /hj

@supergigabigboybabechad: Lenore: Super nice one of my first moots. You aren’t online often but when you are I love interacting with you

@angelhairpastawithherbs: Rose: I love love reading your takes. Also the Sukuna meme you made last night is just yes. Also your writing?????? You’re just a super cool person

@averagetoyakinnie: Joey: my first moot. We don’t interact often but your taste in anime is just so good. We watched so many of the same shows. I love interacting with you

@overly-niche-twst: Joy: you were the one of the first accounts I followed on my old account. I love seeing you on my dash too. Your memes are super funny and accurate to the character. Also Wriothesley is based

@silvers-numberonefan: Kei: I don’t know much about kpop but I love seeming you ramble about it. Also a milgram fan super cool. I see you almost as a younger sibling.

@azulashengrottospiano: Auburn: I love your blog. It’s just so nice. I looked up to you since I started Tumblr basically and had a heart attack when you followed me back. I hope your pillow is cold tonight

@chocolate-cat-bread: Nene: little sibling irl

@vivislosingitagain: Vivi: We haven’t interacted like at all but I read your posts like they’re the news paper

@v-anrouge: Aster: the person I like sending my Vil brainrot to. Very take you have is canon idc what it is. Also kinda like an older sibling to me. You’re super cool.

@i-like-forgs: Ryoko: YOURS POSTS YES I LIKE READING THEM

@cave-of-jade: Jade: adopted me one day. I now bite

@distant-velleity: Kai: I LOVE LOVE YOUR OCS. Also fellow milgram fan

Psst psst if you’re not on here and want to be lmk

[krenenbaker]

ehehe, YOU HEARD ME :D

(and I shall be giving updates as I go along - I'm through the prologue and already REALLY liking all the characters!)

guess who gave in and downloaded The Arcana? :)

[symphonic-scream]

Idk if I forgot to send it or if it didn't go through but...

😊 for haru related au?

How about Transfemme Haru?

It's not an arcana swap this time either

Canon changes after Kameshiro. The others snoop and find out Makoto's got a "boyfriend", and tease her and mostly leave her be about it, but they spy her walking to the train hand in hand with a boy with fluffy auburn hair and a pink sweater vest

And they witness them smooch in Hawaii

But. There's an extra layer to this

During their first year, Makoto was doing a roof check for Student Council and found her classmate trying on a skirt from the lost and found. She didn't quite understand, and he nearly cries as he panics and makes her promise not to tell

She shows up the next day with a skirt in his size. SHE tells Makoto she's trans, but knows her father won't accept it. So, the skirt. Makoto invites her new friend to study at her apartment when her sister stays late at work, and they'll work on finding the girl's true self

By summer, the two are girlfriends, but parade as straight in public. Haru chooses her name around the same time, and brightens up so much when Makoto first calls her it

So, let's cut to Beauty Thief. When Haru is in the metaverse, she's visibly who she wants to be. She's like, a girl. Mona doesn't seem to notice his new partner's giddy smile

Makoto recognizes her girlfriend on the spot, and is shocked by the metaverse version, and the chases still happen, and Sugimura still runs into Haru and Mona and causes trouble

Which. I gotta cut away again so Kunikazu knows the two are dating. He never fully approved of Makoto, but he accepted his 'son's' relationship, until recently. Gave Haru an ultimatum to force a break up and set her up with some politicians daughter; marry Makoto and produce an heir in a year, or Kunikazu chooses Haru's wife

It's tough. They both know Makoto doesn't want to have a kid. But, when Haru brings it up, Makoto offers. She'd, do something she really doesn't want, for him. If they can't find another option first. Haru would never let her do that, make herself so miserable for her.

Sugimura knows of the deal. Haru skipped a dinner between their families to go to the metaverse with Mona, so Sugimura sneers when Makoto runs into the alley and yanks his hand from Haru's wrist

And, Haru is practically leaning over Makoto's back the whole trip to LeBlanc. They talk in soft voices, make plans to stay with someone Makoto knows for the night. Or maybe a week. They both need breaks from their home lives,

Haru comes out to the Thieves. Explains the Beauty Thief vs her male body in reality, and. She looks so happy when they all start using her chosen name, and referring to her as a girl. Makoto grins too, and it turns tender as Haru snoozes on her shoulder

From this point they both stay with Tae Takemi. She's Sae's ex and helped raise Makoto. The two girlfriends share Makoto's childhood room, and a double bed. It's domestic as fuck

After Kunikazu dies, Haru starts hormones. Tae and her set up a timeline to discuss surgeries, with the first one (facial femme) being after Strikers timeline.

And. The first time they go to the metaverse after that first night, Makoto and Haru smile so widely, and share a big hug. "One day," Makoto promises, "we'll have this out there. You'll have this out there."

So. Yeah. I have more, but Transfemme Haru

[officialdaydreamer00]

the strawberry dress™ shenanigans (with irene lovejoy)

victim subject no. 4: azul ashengrotto

click on the pictures for better quality :)

the whole page :)

honorable mentions: @mrashengrotto the man himself, @azulashengrottospiano his legal wife <3, @iseethatimicy, @ang33333333l the two azul kissers i saw on auburn's blog (be my moots i have this one project in mind ^^), @aqua-beam, @axvwriter, @siren-serenity and people who voted for this shady businessman <3

bonus!! azul arcana cards for azul kissers!!

[auburnarcana-streams]

Weekly schedule ✦ 23Dec24 - 29Dec24

Merry Christmas! It's been a busy time recently, so I'm doing more gaming this week. I started working on art timelapses again, and I have two ready to premiere:

NeptuneEvo art raffle prize ~ 23Dec24, 8:00 PM MT ~ https://youtu.be/uo4VfoXHukk

Sakoneko OCtober drawing ~ 27Dec24, 6:00 PM MT ~ https://youtu.be/KUDLkL_pjPk

I'm also still doing art regularly. I'm trying to finish my PNGtuber model, and I have some other December arts in mind.

In fact, I'm doing more cozy streaming with art and Stardew Valley tonight - starting now!

[cloudcountry]

HOLY SHIT I JUST REALIZED LUCIO HAS TWO DOGS BECAUSE. HIM AND MC SHARE A TAROT CARD. THEY ARE ONE. HIS TWO DOGS REPRESENT HIM AND MC. IM GOING TO THROW UP.

[dove-da-birb]

Someone give me the go-ahead to make a game-jumping Dove who just goes, "Hahaaha! Catching feelings? LATER LOSERS! PEACE!"

[cigfellow]

It was another bad pain day. Soft snow speckled the cobblestone streets outside and the cold seeped into their bones. Dahlia poured a hot cup of tea and settled on a stool at the counter. They had decided against closing today despite the deep aches and exhaustion. Too many bad days lately. They were in need of the extra coin, so for today they would do their best to stave it off with tea and the balms they had mixed up.

There weren't too many customers, but enough that by midday the magician was spent. Dull, burning pain radiated out from their mid back and clawed into their chest. It trickled up to their neck and shoulders too and they would have given anything to lay down on a giant heating pad. It felt like hooks were driven into their skin and were pulling tight all the muscles and had them nearly to tears. If not by the pain, by the frustration of how unforgiving it was.

A messy head of auburn hair bobbed at the window outside, its bearer too lanky and tall to be a surprise passing in front of the shop. The bell rang as the good doctor swept inside with a flair, outstretching an arm.

“Afternoon, I brought lunch!” A grin was split across his face as he let the door close on its own behind him and crossed the room to drop the paper bags on the counter. “Yes, thank you. Too kind.” He bowed low, waving to the imaginary crowd. Dahlia rolled their eyes, but humoured him and clapped, though their low chuckle gave away their amusement. “How chivalrous, doctor.” They hummed.

cont..

[iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia]

I don't know if you've done this or one terribly similar, but what about a full hc or drabble for julian with an MC who gets wrist tendonitis? they draw and/or write frequently, but they're unable to do either of their hobbies for at least a week while they wait for their arm to heal, and they keep being woken up early due to severe pain.

Yes, I recently had to deal with this 😭 and it made me think of a certain doctor

The Arcana Drabbles: Julian when MC gets tendonitis

Waking up before the sun has made its way into the sky when you didn't plan to is not very fun. Waking up because you're in pain is considerably worse, and not being able to fall back asleep is downright miserable.

Julian, for once, is fast asleep and completely oblivious to the cares and worries of the world. The constant throbbing radiating along your arm seems to subside for a split second as you take him in, rumpled curls spilling across his pillow, expressive brows relaxed and smooth, auburn stubble decorating his sharp jaw as the occasional satisfying snore reverberates through his hooked nose. You stare a little too long.

"Nguh - huh? Wha? Ah - Hello, m'dear." And there are those bleary grey eyes, gazing lovingly at you through the fog of a rare deep sleep.

"Hello," you tell him, and then, "You should go back to sleep."

It's too late. He's already shuffling up onto one elbow, sleep shirt slipping further open as he looks down at you with a little more awareness. Even his red eye looks soft like this.

"And what's keeping you from sleep?" His forehead crinkles as he takes in your grimace, gaze zeroing in on the awkward positioning of your arm. "Oh dear. You're in a great deal of pain, aren't you?"

You're getting ready to protest, but he's already jostling the mattress as he fumbles out of bed and rounding the bottom of it to stand at your side. "Allow your personal physician to see to your worries, will you? I can promise you the - ah - the most excellent care this side of the Strait."

You nod, already feeling relief from the ever-cool, gentle pressure of his fingers on your wrist. "Tell me if this pains you."

He's methodical, somehow able to scrutinize every detail of your arm and expression despite being half-awake as takes your hand in his. He bends the joints of your elbow and fingers first, lightly pressing at the tissue around them to test their tenderness, before making his way to your wrist and hissing sympathetically when a slight nudge makes your face crinkle up. "Ah - I'm so sorry, my dear, I didn't mean to hurt you."

He leans forward to press a stubbly, scratchy kiss to your forehead and straightens to leave the room. "I'll be right back."

Less than five minutes later, a much more alert Julian is perched on the bed and carefully wrapping your wrist where it lies in his lap. "Do want it tighter? Looser?"

"It's just right." He shoots you another small smile as he ties it off, the compression doing wonders for your angry tendons. The cooling salve underneath tingles deliciously on your overheated skin.

"Better?"

"Much." You answer, the receding pain giving way to a mighty yawn. You really didn't mean to wake up this early. Your partner brings his bare hand to his face to stifle his own responding yawn.

Moments later, he lurches back with a startled yelp.

"Julian?"

"Ah - the cooling salve, it got on my face - one moment while I -"

He goes to wipe his fingers off on his trouser leg, but being in only his sleep shirt, it winds up on his bare thigh instead. It's a little hard not to laugh when your beloved, intelligent doctor is dancing around your bedroom in woolen socks and a sleep shirt to the sound of his own hissed curses.

"Hells, that's powerful stuff!"

"Are you coming back to bed, Julian?"

"Do you want this all over you?"

His incredulous exclamation is the last thing you get as he whisks out of the room to wash off. You know he'll be back in five minutes, damp and sheepish and ready to lie back down even if he won't be able to sleep. Maybe waking up several hours before you meant to isn't as miserable as you you thought it would be.

[aliliceswonderland]

Archetypes in Metaphor: ReFantazio, and the Neverending Story

It seems like the new Personas in Metaphor are called Archetypes. This term is interesting because it's linked to C. G. Jung's psychoanalysis, that predates the Persona series and to a certain extent also Megaten.

Archetypes according to Jung are basically prototypes or templates that are present in the collective unconscious and, as a consequence, repeat in stories, myths or dreams along time and around the world. The Persona and the Shadow are also archetypes, and so are other Jungian concepts like the Anima and the Animus. But the archetypes also include figures like the mother, the father, the wise old man, the child, the maiden, etc, and other related to events such as birth, death or marriage. Oh, and the Tarot arcana! So it's a pretty broad concept, that has already been present in Persona even if not by name.

Metaphor: ReFantazio doesn't seem preoccupied with keeping the archetypes Jung mentioned. Not like that's a big deal, Jung himself considered that the amount of archetypes could be infinite. The ones used in the game seem taken from TTRPG classes, which doesn't surprise me given how at some point years ago they mentioned TTRPG as inspiration.

[ID: one of the very artistic menus from Metaphor. The word EQUIPMENT in big wide letters fills the top of the screen. On the left side, under the question "Change whose gear?" the characters are listed along with an eyes-focused close up of their "archetype" (as summonable monster) that fades into their own, as it follows: - Leader / Travelling Boy / he's a boy with slightly darker skin than the rest, blue hair and yellow and blue heterochromia / Seeker Rank Master - Party / Strohl / boy with a gray eyes and hair / Warrior Rank Master - Party / Hulkenberg / redhaired elf girl / Knight Rank Master - Party / Heismay / red-eyed animal creature with white fur / Thief Rank 15/20 - Navi / Gallica / auburn haired fairy, no archetype present The Travelling Boy is selected. The right side shows the art of an the archetype, presumably the Seeker, a somewhat robotic humanoid beast in white armor with vein-like red lights in their exposed parts and golden pieces. They're holding a black sword. On the corner right down it reads: "Learns a wide array of versatile skills including Wind magic, single target healing and attack buffs." Under them there are buttons for Archetype Details (Y), Confirm (B) and Back (A). A subtitle reads "Who shall take the throne?".]

Something I also noticed in this image is that Archetypes seem to have ranks. If you ever played the old Persona, you may be familiar with the rank system. It's basically levels for a Persona/Archetype that work independently from the player's level and are tied to skill learning. This makes me wonder if Archetypes will be interchangable between the characters as in the old Persona system, or similarly to FF5 job system.

[ID: Another screenshot from the Metaphor trailer. A man with long hair is sitting behind a book on a desk. In the background, a big metallic statue resembling a crowned Vitruvian Man with glyphs over his body hovers over the long-haired man. A menu on the left has the following options: Learning Archetypes, Inheriting Skills, Seeker's Research, Lectures and Listen. Big wide letters at the bottom read AKADEMEIA. Over them, the subtitle says "You've acquired a most interesting power." Some faint lines and glyphs that could belong in a technical sketch adorn the UI.]

The "Learning Archetypes" option definitely sounds like at least the protagonist is going to be able to change Archetype. The "Seeker's Research", however, makes me think that the Seeker will be inevitably linked to the protagonist. I really wonder how the system is going to be.

[ID: another screenshot. A dragon is performing an attack called Ripping Claw. At the top of the image, some stars sketch in several colors one over the other seem to indicate a press-turn system. On the bottom right, the life and SP bars are located. The characters are named not by their names but through the Archetypes: Ninja (the animal companion), Paladin (the elf), Trickster (the grey haired guy) and Soul Hacker (the protagonist). Their eyes are burning. The subtitle reads: "The truth of the humans is laid bare."]

In this screenshot we can appreciate the same characters with different archetypes. If you compare them to the ones in the equipment menu, there's a clear correspondance. These look like evolved Archetypes. Whether they evolve in the new Persona way or are obtained as in the old Persona games, remains to be seen, although this makes me think more of the first case, which would correspond to a fixed Archetype system.

Of course, there's one Archetype here that stands out. The Soul Hacker. I don't think you'll found this in any TTRPG. This seems to be the evolved form of the Seeker, which already deviates from the usual RPG classes or jobs. But it should be obvious to you where it comes from: the Devil Summoner's sequels. The first Soul Hackers game has the protagonist relive other people's last moments in Vision Quests. I'm not sure what this may mean for Metaphor. The fact that we can see the protagonist over a spaceship at one point in the trailer makes me think of visions of different worlds, but then again, it wouldn't be the first Atlus game to depict medieval fantasy and space in the same world (Last Bible games are crazy, I swear). I don't think the Soul Hacker Archetype was called like that as a mere reference, but it could be a symbolism I'm not totally grasping with the little context I have, for example, that he's good at making bonds, therefore "hacking" the souls of others (????). I don't know.

Anyway, this derailing about Vision Quests makes me thing of another point I wanted to make. This will get even more into theory territory, so take it with a grain of salt.

[ID: The screenshot has the protagonist in a black space surrounded by light or crystal fragments. Another man is out of frame. In the middle of the image it reads: "This is the mirror of reality."]

This sentence has haunted me. This along with the title of the game and that other phrase later on: "It all began with the novel in thy possession." And you know why? Because I know a book that started just like that. It also had a dying monarch, now that I think of it. A book that can be easily interpreted through a Jungian perspective, including archetypes. That had a scene about a mirror reflecting another mirror to symbolize the relationship between a world called Fantastica and the real world. That's The Neverending Story (and, if you've only watched the movie, I'm sorry but you're missing out A LOT here).

Now, I can't know if this book has had an influence here, but I have the feeling this is going to be a similar story. To those who don't know, The Neverending Story is a book about a boy called Bastian who steals a book and starts reading about a green skinned native boy (that probably didn't age well) that is chosen to save the world of Fantastica from the Nothing that is devouring it, by searching for a human that can give the Child Empress a new name. Now, spoilers. Jump to the next paragraph if you don't want them. That human is Bastian, and the moment he calls the Empress by her new name, he gets isekai'd to Fantastica, which is a world made of the collective human imagination. Then, he begins to travel around the world making up stories that become true while he forgets their own memories of the real world, and when he notices it, he begins to look for a way home, that he learns he'll only reach if he finds his True Will. Which ends up being to love (aww).

"What if the world we live in today is their utopia?" at the beginning of the trailer suggests a relationship between the real world and the world of Metaphor. Heck, the frigging Metaphor name suggests that. It's very likely that they know of the human world through books. Through stories (could books become Vision Quests to unlock Archetypes? That would be cool). The same way we know about them: through a story (this time in videogame format). Remember what I said at the beggining? Archetypes are found in myths and stories. It wouldn't be a surprise to me if this world was another Fantastica, a world made with human imagination. Or/and viceversa.

Related to this, there's the concept of the collective unconscious, ever present in the Persona series, and in Megaten through the Great Will, and where Archetypes reside. If this world is anything like Fantastica, it's bound to belong into the Sea of Souls. I don't think the human world in Metaphor is supposed to be the Persona world, since they've shown images more similar to the actual real world, but if that was the case, it wouldn't be too farfetched to think of it as a cognitive world. Lieutenant General Zula in P2EP PSP remake already talked about the existence of populated worlds into the collective unconscious. P5T seemed to show a similar thing, although it could still be just a personal world as in the PQ games.

Even if the human world is our world, I think the Metaphor world is supposed to represent a mirror of our own, made of our thoughts and anxieties. Truly, that could be said about pretty much every work of art ever. But not all of them treat that relationship between ourselves and art or storytelling as a theme. I can think of a bunch, though: Undertale/Deltarune, Utena and Princess Tutu, the already cited Neverending Story, the Quixote... Regardless, since the Jungian themes are so heavily present through the Archetypes, I think it's possible that this world is supposed to exist into our (or our representation in the game's) collective psyche.

Wow, I think my train of thought absolutely derrailed in the last paragraphs, sorry about that. Anyway, nothing more to say here. I hope you found my thoughts interesting.