#backed into the war table

[mymreaderlibrary]

Unironically would love to explore this concept in a more serious tone as well. Karlach having met or at least seen Durge around Gortash's home. They were always odd and off-putting, but so was most of Gortash's crowd. Still, their presence was oppressive and she sometimes had to consider them as a threat against him. They could be some noble trying to seize power through him. Or they could be just another bed warmer with mindless intentions. Regardless, they were on her radar. Then of course the Hells happened and after those 10 agonizing years she's finally free, and who does she see first things first? Durge, that same motherfucker who used to haunt the halls of Gortash's manor. Gortash's manor. Karlach doesn't believe them when they claim to not remember the past, convenient amnesia is just a bullshit excuse cowards use but she slowly realizes they're dead serious. Beyond serious, they barely even know who they are. She won't be finding Gortash through them, but maybe she could turn his former adversary into his enemy, give that bastard an extra kick in the ass with some betrayal of the inner kind. However Durge begins to get their memories back, each one more vile than the last. They chose not to tell Karlach about their memories of Gortash, knowing that it may send her into a spiral (justifiably). But each memory spells out a clearer picture as Durge realizes they were not just one of Gortash's dolls. If anything, Durge had some form of power over the man, their mutual obsession fueling a strange and twisted affair. They were neither of each others lapdogs, they were equals. Eventually Karlach finds out and she ends up as the one feeling betrayed. Gortash's "nearest and dearest" was RIGHT THERE the whole time, they were someone she even considered a friend. She regrets giving them the benefit of the doubt, she should've known better than to trust any who aligned, formerly or currently, with that bastard. Maybe they didn't remember who they were at first, but eventually their former self would return.

And then that leaves it up to Durge, if they wish to betray their former relationship with Gortash for the sake of their new ally. Or if they want to finish what they started and let Karlach be just another casualty in their quest to greatness. If they pick Karlach it won't be easy, she will be broken from her shit life and it will take more than a little convincing that they're on her side. Undoubtably she will have Wyll to support her, but there's only so much a shoulder to cry on can offer, especially given what she's been through. Durge won't be forgiven, at least not quickly, but if they put in the time, put in the effort, they could forge something new. Perhaps forgiveness is unattainable, but allyship is possible. But if they pick Gortash I feel it would be oh so simple. He was practically waiting for them to return, every since he got the news his beloved slayer was still alive. Who better to top of their grand scheme than the mastermind themself, Gortash's own lover (if they even dared to call each other such... and perhaps, with all this power in their midst, they now could). They're already at the climax of their story, why back away now? Why keep the people waiting? This is their grand finale.

Listen. I don't know exactly how long Durge and Gortash knew each other, but wouldn't it have been absolutely hilarious. if upon meeting karlach the first time just

Wyll: ah I have finally found you, advocatus diaboli-

Karlach: yeah okay give me a minute before you kill me, YOURE THAT GUY THAT FUCKED ENVER WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING HERE

durge, like 3 days old, freshly discovering the whole "sex" thing again: I did what. With who

[venator-signum]

the fucking whiplash i got from going into a Liam O'Brien induced crying session on the couch to cackling at the crown keepers not knowing shit

[puppyeared]

i feel like im not making any sense but does anyone else feel like there are stories that let u run with them and ones that spell everything out for you

[peacereturnedtothevalley]

I've been assuming flegg is a beloved low level mob enemy this whole time, looking forward to finding out more someday in perpetua

[vialae]

Do u think if durge had returned to baldurs gate either before or after the coronation, and so gortash was sitting in the privacy of his office instead, he would have acted differently to them walking in?

No need for performing to an audience.

Would he do his triumphant laugh as durge walks through the doors? He holds his arms up out and toward them while talking about how it’s a pure, bloody miracle that they still walk.

Of course, he’s still a little bit cautious (for like 5 seconds) just in case Orin was right about Durge not remembering him, but he just really can’t contain his excitement and relief, and he doesn’t have to up in his office.

[bugmush]

i am with you all on the frustration about the choices carrying over to veilguard, but specifically i cannot tell you how fucked it is that it seems likely we will get no update on the southern mages after possibly given freedom by a divine leliana. like this was a conflict built up over the last 3 games and thats just... it? considering how much bioware pushed the both sides narrative shouldnt that choice have, i dont know, consequences?? just really disappointing how many doors they're closing with this game since i highly doubt we will be getting another dragon age game after this.

[kanerallels]

Kanera, Western AU

Me, reading this ask: Hahaha I could use this as an excuse to write an au of that time travel western I just finished reading! Jk though

Me, like two minutes later: UNLESS????

So yeah please enjoy the world's weirdest western au, it's definitely not what you intended but alas, here we are

Hera had seen a lot of strange things in her time. The gunslinger standing in front of her was quickly inching his way to the top of the list.

He was dressed normally enough—green shirt and dark trousers, dual holsters strapped to his side. But there was something unusual in his blue-green eyes, which held hers with a magnetic intensity she couldn’t bring herself to turn away from.

There was also the sword he wore strapped to his back. And the irritable teenage girl he’d brought with him, who was nearly as fast with her guns as he was.

And the fact he’d shot and killed Vidian. That was a big one. The rich rancher owned half the town, and was gunning for the other half. His goal, Hera knew, was to buy up every scrap of land possible and turn it into a mine, sending the profits to his boss. Destroying the town of Lothal and its farmland.

But then this man had shown up. And Vidian was dead.

As the sheriff of the town, Hera probably should have arrested him. But no one was really advocating for that—mostly because the news hadn’t reached Vidian’s boss yet.

Instead, she would settle for asking questions. A lot of them. “What exactly did you say your name was?�� she asked, waving for him to take the seat on the other side of the desk from her.

He did, although his companion just slouched against the wall, frowning with deep levels of disapproval. “This is a bad idea,” she mumbled.

“Your opinion is noted,” the man said dryly. “I’m Kanan Jarrus, Sheriff…?”

“Syndulla,” Hera said, and he nodded like he’d expected it. Which just added to the many questions, but she decided to focus on the most important one. “Why did you kill Vidian?”

Kanan shrugged. “So he wouldn’t kill me first.”

“Again,” the girl said, and Kanan sighed.

“Sabine…”

“What? It’s true.”

Again? Hera frowned. “You two aren’t regular visitors, are you?” she asked slowly.

Kanan shook his head, a small, sad smile crossing his face. “No, H—no. We’re not. We’re here to do something about Sidious, or die trying.”

“Sidious?”

“Vidian’s boss, Palpatine.” Kanan’s expression turned grim. “He’s not what he seems. Listen, I’m gonna need you to trust me.”

“I don’t know you,” Hera pointed out, and there was that flicker of sadness in his eyes.

“No,” he agreed. “Not yet. But there are things going on here that aren’t going to make much sense unless you trust what I’m about to tell you, no matter how bizarre it sounds.”

Hera hesitated, weighing her options. It wouldn’t hurt her at all to listen to what he had to say, but she had a feeling about it. Like it would change everything, and that scared her a little.

What scared her more was the fact that her gut was telling her to trust him. Like she already knew he was trustworthy. Why? What does it mean?

There’s only one way to find out.

“Okay,” she said. “Tell me.”

Kanan nodded, gaze serious. “Okay. This is going to sound insane. But…I’m here to prevent Palpatine from taking over…everything. The whole country, and killing everyone who gets in his way. There are a few in particular we’re looking to protect. But the reason I know he does that is because he’s done it before. And I’ve seen it happen.”

Hera stared. “What?”

“I’m not from here—well.” Kanan grinned a little. “I’m not from now.”

Hera’s head was spinning, and she pressed her hand against the desk below her. There’s no way this is real. He’s crazy. But she’d always been good at spotting liars, and her gut was telling her that he was telling the truth. Just because he believes it doesn’t mean it’s true. Right?

Unless it does.

“I know it sounds crazy,” Kanan said, eyes still locked on her. “But we need your help. If Palpatine is currently in this time, we need to prevent him from reaching his targets here. Do you know—”

“Kanan.” Sabine cut him off, and Hera glanced at her. The girl was holding a glass cube in her hands, and it was…glowing? “They found us.”

Kanan cursed under his breath, jumping up from his seat. “Already?”

“Well, killing Vidian right away might not have been your best move.”

“Yeah, you’ve mentioned.” With a single smooth motion, Kanan unsheathed the sword he wore, and Hera’s eyes widened. The blade was dark blue, and made of something…unreal, almost. It shimmered and wavered, and her eyes couldn’t fasten onto it for more than a heartbeat.

There is definitely something strange going on here.

Turning to face her again, Kanan said, “Things are about to get very weird. This would be the best time for you to leave, if you don’t want to get involved.”

“You’re stopping Palpatine from taking over Lothal?” Hera checked, and Kanan nodded. “Then that’s all I need to know for now. I’m with you.”

Kanan smiled. “I thought you might be. Hope you’re ready for a fight. You’re good with a gun, right?”

Letting her hand drop to the rifle settled beneath her desk, Hera said, “They don’t give this star to just anyone.”

Kanan’s smile widened. “Oh, I know.”

[sadmages]

you know what if dreadwolf doesnt have a war table maybe it'll be good

[inamindfarfaraway]

I love that we're getting focus on Chris Rodriguez early in the TV show, so that we have time to get invested in him before he a) betrays the camp and b) is driven so insane that only Dionysus can cure him. Knowing him beforehand will also make his relationship with Clarrisse, friendship and romance, feel more interesting.

What other cool, fun, not-heartbreaking characters will the show give more attention and depth? Silena Beauregarde? Charlie Beckendorf? Micheal Yew? Castor and Pollux? I can't wait!

[iamespecter]

I KEEP HITTING MY FUCKING RIGHT ARM AND SHOULDER INTO EVERYTHING BECAUSE MY ENTIRE RIGHT SIDE IS JUST A BLIND SPOT THANKS TO THE (STILL PRESENT) PINK EYE

GOD IT'S SORE ALL OVER

[arundolyn]

Happy birthday, Rachel Alucard, and happy Halloween!

[saucy-mesothelioma]

Went to the Asheville Pinball Museum today and it was fuckin incredible. Yes, I know I took a lot of pictures

I also got a high score on the Beatles table, so that's probably the second coolest thing I've ever been able to do

[unspuncreature]

finally got myself together and decorated my bedroom walls a bit

obikin print credit to @passerine343 @mandhos @skynobi @bereweillschmidt and ruzovy_art (on twt)

[swan2swan]

Watched "Into the Unknown" again for no particular reason whatsoever, and besides being the highlight of a movie that was meddled into absolute disappointment, I was struck by the genius of this shot as I watched Elsa run toward the edge of the cliff and remembered, "Oh, right, she stops at the edge and reaches out."

But no.

The movie is BETTER THAN THAT and has her make an extension out of ice, showing that Elsa's capable of pushing herself farther than the boundaries nature set for her, and that she's willing to go the extra distance to solve this mystery (which apparently the writers themselves didn't even have solved at the time).

It's just Good Animation. No one else is gonna do that. Every other character is going to stop where the cliff says "stop", but Elsa has MAGIC and she USES IT.

[alteabellerose]

I realize I'm in the minority here but I'm replaying my canon Inquisition file with my Lavellan romancing Josephine and all those other important decisions blah blah blah but every time I talk to Sera I'm a little sad that I'm not romancing her this playthough

In other news I think I might choose grey warden as a background for my first Rook. I just find them so endlessly compelling I can't ever stop thinking about wardens

[xknzs]

march 29.24 | 7AM, keeping one eye closed and my table manners poor 🤝🏼