#but it doesn't matter if i'm the evil here i can accept it i was trying for so long

[morallysuperiorlips]

8 Tips for Redeeming Your Villain (Without Pissing Off Your Readers)

I won't lie, I love a good redemption arc for a villain. I love watching a formerly deplorable character atone for their sins and come to terms with the fact that they were wrong, and I especially love it when it doesn't come easy (as it shouldn't!). But I also know some writers might struggle with this, or worry about doing so in a way that won't aggravate readers or come out of left field. So, if you're struggling with this, here are some tips to help!

1.) Hint at redeemable traits early: All villains should be nuanced, in my opinion, but if you're going for a redemption arc, you should really dedicate some time to really showing those softer, redeemable sides of your villain from the beginning. It can be hesitation over their big evil schemes, or moments of really profound kindness in the midst of their cruelty. A villain that is too cruel from the get-go being redeemed will feel forced and likely uncalled for, so make sure you're going out of your way to show that the concept of "I can fix them" is actually possible.

2.) A strong motivation to change is a must: Nobody really makes an effort to change their ways unless they have a drive to do so, and the same should go for your villain. Don't make their mission to become "good" just a fleeting phase they happen to be going through (it's not like being emo, guys). Something needs to happen to them to drive them toward that switch. Maybe they realize the consequences of their actions and hate what they've done. Maybe the one person they want to save can only be saved if they change their ways. Maybe their beloved cat almost gets hurt during a scheme and they make the choice to change for their precious furry friend. You can really go nuts here!

3.) Remember "atonement, not apologies": Sometimes, "Sorry" isn't enough. In the case of a villain who might have done some pretty terrible shit in the past, I would wager it's most definitely not enough. While being remorseful is apart of atoning, it's not enough for them to just say "I'm sorry for trying to launch you into the sun" or "I'm sorry for committing arson on your base." Their actions also need to follow their apologies. They need to actually show that they're sorry, and are taking actions to fix the damage they've done. More than ever, their actions will speak louder than their dialogue.

4.) Remember that some actions are unforgiveable: There might come a moment in your villain's evildoings where they pass a point of no return. Some acts of villainy are just too far gone for chances of redemption. This doesn't mean that they can't have some version of redemption, but this just might come in the form of them accepting what they've done and making peace with it rather than being accepted and forgiven by those around them.

5.) Consequences don't just go away because they're nice now: No matter how kind your villain is choosing to be now, and how far they're willing to go to show that they've changed, they can't erase the past (of course, unless there is time travel at play, in which case...we'll talk). The consequences of their actions should still come back to bite them in some way, shape, or form, and they should still figure out how to work through them. Perhaps the villagers are still terrified of them, and likely will be for years to come. Perhaps the death of a loved one was indirectly caused by their wrongdoings, and they have to live with that.

6.) ...and neither does their core personality: At the end of the day, even though your villain is going through their redemption, they're still the same person they were as a villain. They still need to be the same ruthless or calculating or charismatic or dry or whatever kind of person they were to start. They just have less evil goals now. Write accordingly!

7.) The redemption needs to be EARNED: Redemption isn't something that just happens overnight. It needs to be treated like a practiced discipline. Your villain needs to try, fail, get up and try again, fail again, and keep trying. Maybe they almost give up at some point and try to relapse into evildoings. There needs to be a struggle as they come to terms with their actions, learn the correct way to atone, and find ways to make up for their terrible deeds. That way, when they've finally reached their peak of "good," it feels like it was deserved.

8.) Death does not always equal redemption: From years of reading, I've noticed that a common way to redeem a villain is just...killing them in an act of sacrifice. I feel like this only works if there's been a buildup to it. They can't just go out in a blaze of sacrificial glory and expect to be recounted as a hero when they were forcibly lobotomizing innocent children the day before. If your villains redemption arc does end in their death, the other tips still matter--there needs to be a buildup to it.

(If you like my guides, prompts, writing, or art, consider supporting the blog today! All donations help me keep this thing up and running and all are appreciated <3)

[ratinthevoid]

why did i believe i can ever come out to her

[star-suh]

Challenger

Johnny Suh x Male Reader

cw: here johnny is 40 years old, pwp, feminization kink.

—

“you shouldn’t act like a bitch if you're not gonna be one”.

those words echoed on yn's mind while his ass is being obliterated by johnny. it all started as a dumb challenge –mark told yn that he's not gonna be capable to seduce his dad's friend, “mark please don't be dumb, johnny is straight my dad once told me he had a wife”, “had?” mark asked, “they divorced” yn tells him, “honestly i don't know why… he's sexy”, “i know” mark agrees with him, “that means you have a chance” he adds.

“mark be serious, besides what would i won if i accept the challenge, would you pay me?” –mark laughs, “isn't it obvious? you would won a night with such a fine gentleman” he laughs, “what's the matter with you? why would you challenge me to do something like that” yn questioned him. “i just want to know if your capable of seducing him”... yn looks at him with a dead serious expression “such a dumb reason” yn mutters.

seeing that at the end of the day nothing would happen, that johnny wouldn't pay attention to this he agreed to do it –mark eubbed his hands together, as if he just crafted an evil plan, “see you tomorrow, tell me what happened” he hugs yn and leaves.

yn started with his plan, acting flirty all over johnny who was visiting his dad, taeyong, while the latter was on the kitchen or searching for something on his bedroom yn was sitting besides johnny praising his big frame, “can you flex them for me?” yn asked, his fingers grazing johnny's biceps. he did, flexing his arm for yn to touch and praise him more for his hard work in the gym. johnny saw this as just the son of his friend seeing him as an inspiration for who knows, maybe starting to exercise too. he just went with it following yn's requests until he saw how yn purposefully bend in front of him with the excuse to pick it up something, this wasn't a normal bending to pick something, when yn does it he stick his ass out so johnny can fantasize with it. it doesn't help that it looked like yn was not wearing something under it, the tight fabric of the short hugging nicely his ass and thighs not letting anything to the imagination.

yn whore himself out in front of the older, all that attention gowing straight to johnny's bulge that twitches in excitement, who would've thought that after his divorce he still has in him the ability of driving someone crazy and make him horny for him. “man i need to go, beers ran out and the ones you like are sold only on the mall but i try to get here as soon as possible” taeyong apologizes to his friend, “yn be sure yo treat johnny nicely while i'm not here”. “yes dad” yn said –bored, johnny hasn't accepted his advances so he just accepted his defeat, losing mark's challenge, “now i have to stand his ass bitching around for god knows when” he whispered dissapointed. he was about to go to his bedroom when johnny stops him, his hand grabbing yn's wrists.

johnny doesn't play games and yn would know that soon.

yn was on his knees –head against the edge of the coach and his throat being railed by his dad's friend thick meat. with a leg placed on the edge of the coach too and the other on the floor, knee bend to find the perfect angle to fuck yn's throat. “if you're gonna act like a bitch, throwing yourself around to any man who crosses your path then you should take responsibility and be one”.

yn gagged on it, his throat becoming slippery, slobbering all his saliva on johnny's lenght –the perfect place to put his dick in. johnny then places both kness on the edge of the couch, with yn's head in the middle of them and his dick still buried deep inside the other's throat. he thrusted, feeling his orgasm coming, “get ready to be fed, slut”. thick splooge flooding his throat making him choke on it, gagging with the thick liquid. “fuckk!! swallow it all if you want to breath again. i'm not pulling out until you do it”. the warm liquid went down his throat, swallowing it little by little, like the obedient little slut he is.

“time for pussy pounding”.

johnny spreaded yn’s ass wide open, staring at the needy hole in front of him, he put his throbbing hot dick to rest on top of it, the hole pulsating when it feel it, needy, wanting to have it inside it. “let's give this pussy real man cock, not the ones of your twinky dumb friends that don't know how to pound pussy”. he push his head past the ring of muscles, “so fuh-... tight” he growls.

“see, this useless pussy can barely take my size” he spanks it, “i'm going to teach it how to take old man cock properly”. he slams himslef against yn, grabbing a fistful of his hair to pull it, the bottom arching his back in a perfect curve, “why aren't you being a whore like before now. wasn't this what you wanted?”. yn was cockdrunk already, johnny’s dick being too much for him right now, his throat sore after all the railing he did before –also drunk with johnny's cum, ‘real man cum’ as the older would say.

the cockdrunk yn cried “we have to stop, my dad could come any time soon”, but johnny ignored him –focused on molding his boypussy with the shape of his big dick. “i don't care, that way he knows the slut of a son he has”. johnny wowed at how yn's hole gripped on his shaft when he pulls out yn's ass quivered sucking him in again, not letting him go, he laughs –eyebrows raised in surprise– “it seems this pussy has an owner now. i claimed it as mine”.

johnny's heavy balls plapped against yn's, “how does it feel to be fucked by a real man?” he continued –belittling other sexual relationships yn had before, “shoo good~” he slurs, “breed this boypussy, your boypussy… daddy”.

as if a switch was turned on by yn, johnny went feral mode jabbing his dick uncontrollably on yn's slippery hole, his swollen shaft opening his walls wide while his veins scrapped them deliciously, hearts appearing on yn's eyes when his hole guzzled down his massive load of spooge –completely gone now, johnny succeded on breaking him to make him his toy, yn became addicted to his muscles, musk, cock, cum… addicted to everything about johnny.

days later taeyong texted johnny *how're the lessons going?* the man opened the chat and texted him back, *he's good but i think i need to teach him more, just in case* johnny looked down staring at yn kneeling in front of him sucking his length while prepping his hole for johnny to use. “this pussy misses this cock” he strokes the slobbered shaft, “put it inside please. since that day no one has been able to fuck me as good as you daddy” he opened his legs pushing his knees towards his chest with the help of his arms, he rubs his hole as if telling johnny to come here to take it “no one has been able to fill my molded boypussy as you did, it seems that it only wants your big daddy dick now” he pouts.

johnny positions himself on all fours on the floor, towering over yn's smaller frame, “is that so?” his lips ghosted over yn's, teasing him, lips barely touching each other. when johnny pulls his tongue out yn tries to catch it with his lips and suck it but johnny hides it quickly –laughing. “then let me continue molding it to my size, i'm addicted to your pussy too” he confesses, pounding him over and over again, unloading lots of cum on both holes. “good whores deserve to be well fed” the older man mutters.

“once you try the cock of a real man there's no going back”.

[drdemonprince]

Not gonna lie it is quite emotionally dispiriting for a certain category of people online to treat me like i'm a flagrant covid denier who doesnt mask or care about disabled people simply because i'm like "oh hey, your grandmother who doesn't wear a mask is a victim of the same systemic forces as you." or "hey, profound social isolation takes a toll on people that impacts their health and their behavior and that must be included in our risk calculations and mitigation strategies whether we like it or not"

like. i mask. i test. i get vaccinated/boosted. i communicate risk factors to people. i plan outdoor events when i can. i fight to not have in person engagements at work tooth and nail and often at personal expense.

but even if i never did any of those things, i would not deserve to get sick and die, because there are no morally acceptable COVID deaths, no matter what choices a person makes or doesn't make, no matter which mitigations they do or fail to do.

one of my close friends just got fired because her boss said she was "taking covid too seriously." that's the kind of evil we are up against here. not like, your friend's friend going to a concert and forgeting his mask in his other jacket that one time. that guy's still doing better than 90% of americans by having a mask he carries around with him in his jacket. he's not some eugenicist demon. he's some guy living in really miserable and difficult circumstances who made a to-be-expected-sometimes human error. and your grandma who has been propagandized into believing that COVID isn't a big deal (while in actuality being quite high risk herself) is a victim not an evildoer.

way to win over more people to your cause guys. very public health minded of you to view anyone who doesn't perfectly meet your behavioral and ideological standards as an enemy. way to punish the behavior you want. it fucking sucks man.

[varpusvaras]

Winnick will come this close to writing a good, rightfullly angry character with BPD/CPTSD and ruin it by making him his conception of "a dangerous psychopath" because dc's understanding of mental illness begins and ends with the joker.

I like that Jason was angry i'm not gonna lie I enjoy the "bad victim who doesn't accept that they were a necessary sacrifice, who doesn't think what happened to them is something they should be expected to tolerate, like fuck your greater good, you weren't there, it isn't worth this." I think even looking at Jason's past before getting adopted he has reason to be angry, like he is poor af and starving and he had to take care of his mom and his dad is in jail because he couldn't see another way to provide and he gets trafficked -he has so many reasons to be angry. And he's not, and I love jaybin, but I think there are so many ways and things he can be angry about without it feeling classist. And I love that he can't emotionally regulate, that he has so clearly BPD/CPTSD because why the fuck would he not, have you seen his life (and that's not even counting the csa hc, which i am because willfully and consistently implying csa and then not addressing it/denying it feels like feeding into a culture of taboo that ruins lives and getting away with covert victim-blaming at the same time). The issue is that they lack finesse or any kind of understanding of anger. The think anger is a personality trait. They think angry = evil. They think being angry means you're violent at and about everything, that you shoot indiscriminately even though you've known better since you were a kid, that you're suddenly treating women like shit (which, wtf seriously) which okay maybe THEY treat women shitty for no reason when they're angry, but that'd be more of a them problem I'd say. Their portrayal of anger is classist because their conception of emotions hasn't evolved since fucking Descartes. Think anger = bad = poor and not only doesn't it occur to them that this is classist, they so instinctively assign moral value to the concepts of poor and angry that they don't realise it and just conceptualise poor=angry and end up with incredibly classist portrayals of anger. You can write characters that are mentally ill and violent without being ableist, you can write characters that are poor and angry without being classist, but that requires a level of respect for people, introspection, humility willingness to learn about the sensitive topics you are exploring that is simply not accessible to Winnick and so many other dc writers.

And here comes my very hot take that I'm too cowardly to say off anon: the pit shouldn't have healed Jason's malnutrition. Like, outside of canon I love big jay, I love big men who are emotionally vulnerable and need comfort etc. but in canon? It just comes off as another way to adultify Jason, and make the horrible things that happen to him acceptable. Jason "sleeping with Talia because he is fucked up about Bruce" because they both look like adults until you realise this is actually just rape and you can't put any responsibility of Talia taking advantage of the kid under her care (very ooc of course) on the child himself. Jason fighting Mia looking like a 40 years old beating up a teenage girl when they're the same damn age. Fucking Ethiopia 2.0. And Jason's murders as well, for the matter. Like don't get me wrong the duffle bag of doom is an iconic villain move, but it's just that: a massive shock effect and a "psychopathic" move. We shouldn't need Jason beheading anyone to be horrified, because just one murder, if written correctly, should be enough. A child killing someone is a terrible thing. A child being put in a position where they think killing someone is the only solution to ending suffering (thinking about the Garzonas case) is a terrible thing. A kid trying to kill his murderer (because fuck his death has to matter it has to) and only begging to be allowed it should be horrifying. Jason, with his unhealed malnutrition making him look a couple of years smaller and younger than his physical age, should look his mental age. It should be impossible to look away from the reality of what he is: a traumatized teenager who wasn't allowed to grow up. And he has a gun. This is already a horror story.

Make utrh!Jason a villain if you must, but have the guts to sit with it. Don't shove the fact that he was a hero and a victim under the rug because it's uncomfortable. Sit with the unease that sometimes someone is doing something bad and is suffering a lot, and maybe they're doing the bad thing because they don't know how to survive the suffering, and suddenly it's not easy separating hero from villain from victim. Your imaginary lines in the sand will not protect you from the crude reality of the complicated and shitty situations you have chosen to depict; you open the can of worms now you can't look away and let the worms roam free just because you're squeamish.

How does it feel to be psychic and be in my head and write part of my essay on Jason for me? Fuck, I have so much to say about this but I need a good night of sleep to formulate it correctly. Look for a longer answer tomorrow, but in the meantime, everyone sit down and look at this and look at it hard. Thank you.

[wishful-thinking64]

Hazbin Hotel & Helluva Boss Rewrite Ideas #01

I truly believe that both shows have a lot of untapped potential that we'll unfortunately never get to see thanks to Viv refusing to take criticism and the fact that her writers are all yes men. However, that doesn't mean I can't give out rewrite ideas like they're candy to those who wish to tap into either show's said potential. With that being said, here are some rewrite ideas that you could use for Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss! ______ #01.) Have Mrs. Mayberry become one of the residents of the Hazbin Hotel. I promise you, this one writes itself. #02.) Have Glitz & Glam be Fizz's rival co-workers to parallel his time in the circus when he worked with the Buckzo twins who acted more like a family to him. #03.) Write some new workers for the Hazbin Hotel since they're still severely understaffed. You could make these new employees a Hellborn, a Sinner, an Overlord, or Goetia royalty if you wanted too. The possibilities for this one are endless! #04.) Let Heaven contrast with Hell based on how they operate. For example, in my rewrite for the Hellaverse, Heaven doesn't use currency at all. It quite literally doesn't exist up there. Instead, they use the Bartering System as they view it to be the most fair exchange of goods and services. #05.) Have there be a character who doesn't belong in Hell but got sent there anyway for whatever reason. I'd recommend using Valoris (my take on renaming Vaggie) if you don't mind keeping her as a fallen angel or using her original Sinner backstory however I feel like Amélie (I renamed Emily solely because her name is so common. It's not bad but you can tell that there was barely any thought put into it either.) could work just as well since she'd be a fallen Seraph. #06.) Make Lucifer and Stolas evil as they were originally intended to be before Viv scrapped the idea in favor of something worse. Stolitz is a toxic ship no matter how much damage control and retconning Helluva Boss tries to do and when initially asked about how Lucifer would act later in the series on an old livestream, Viv originally wanted to have his character be on par with that of Willy Wonka so do with that information what you will. #07.) Allow for Charlie's, "Anyone can be redeemed," mentality to constantly be challenged by those around her. Don't be afraid to have her be in the wrong because we all know that not everyone can be redeemed. Some people (Valentino) truly aren't deserving of it and others won't be accepting to change. You can lead a horse to water all you want but the horse has to decide to drink it. #08.) Create a proper foil ship for Fallen Star (I hate using the ship name Chaggie) cause if even Stolitz can have one in the form of Fizzmodeus then Fallen Star should have one too. Most people opt to use Emilute but I'm a damn GuitarSpear shipper so I opted for a crossover ship that has Emily and another character from Helluva Boss instead. Listen, if a rare pair and joke ship like CherriSnake can become canon over a ship like Sir Pentious x Rosie that actually makes sense when you consider they're from similar time periods, then a crossover ship being in my AU rewrite is the least of my problems.

For context, here's a screenshot for one of the HH mockup episodes before Viv and her team decided to scrap it. Like the majority of the HH mockup episodes. ______ Well, that's all I've got for now so happy writing and good luck!

[magnusunpopularopinions]

I'm not sure how unpopular of an opinion this actually will be but let's go:

I think people over inflate how bad of a person Elias actually is, and in comparison, treat characters like Basira, Nikola, Gertrude, etc much more softly. Don't get me wrong, Elias isn't the best person and his morals are questionable, but they're questionable because he hasn't been human in a good 150 years. His behaviour is in line with every other avatar we see, if a bit more held back violence wise. He only purposely hurts anyone if he feels it interferes with his plan (Which many Main avatars we see attempting a ritual don't do, like Nikola or even Peter in his day to day), or alternatively, puts Jon in an awkward position information wise. The way he handles Jon's ascent into becoming the Archivist isn't even that manipulative. It's less straightforward, yes, but he has his obvious reasons for it (Wanting Jon to Know and See and Understand without having it be explained to him, which would end with him relatively weak and vulnerable). The reasons themselves aren't Great for Jon, but otherwise, he handles himself in a very passive and socially acceptable way. He doesn't go through with doing anything about Not!Sasha, not because he didn't want to, but because there was literally no way he could have fired her or done anything to her without it being a tiny bit suspicious and causing a bit of an Archival uproar. Not doing anything about Prentis was his own fault, I'll be real, but I think he may have genuinely underestimated the amount of worms there are and I doubt he actually considered that the table may house the Not-Them, as he seemingly didn't expect Sasha to be taken. On top of that, him being all 'mysterious' during the Unknowing was just him having issues trying to figure out what he can or can't give Jon to help him figure things out because he genuinely can't Know these things due to the conflicting nature of the Stranger. Otherwise, all of his points of interest are very Avatar based. He eats, he works towards his ritual, and he works with others to make it happen. All things that other avatars do, that don't get overinflated into being fully 'evil'

TL;DR: I'm an Elias enthusiast and think he's just following his nature as an avatar, even if that mainly affects Jon and the archival team (Saying this as I'm relistening and nearly done with s4 lmao)

Thanks for sharing! Let’s chat!

I see what you’re saying, but may I also remind anon of… well:

“Apologies for the deception Jon, just had to make sure you were reading….”

and

[BPM]

and a couple other incidents I could probably come up with after I’ve published this.

Now, I’m not trying to ignore the ESSAY anon submitted full of evidence to back their point. I’m rocking with it- I’ll agree with you that Elias was simply doing his avatar job and withholding info, but I must say, I disagree with you on one point: Elias is a violent man.

Yes, his violence has a “purpose” but we must remember that even though Elias isn’t human, we are. The other characters (for a while and to an extent) are. The violence we do see from Elias is cruel and unfeeling. You can blame it on his avatar-ness all you want anon- and in fact you did an excellent job proving that he’s just an avatar doing avatar things- but the violence…. Elias is, imo, a very cruel being.

So, to summarize: I agree with anon on certain parts- Elias’s actions throughout the series reflect for sure that he is definitely not human. He’s an avatar working towards a goal. But I’ll disagree with anon when they say Elias isn’t that violent of a person/that the fanbase hypes up how evil he is.

In fact, I think the violence backs up anon’s point even further- the fact that he IS so cruel proves that he hasn’t been human for a while.

Hope that made sense- again, thanks for sharing and keep your words kind!

-E

-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•

Edit: Hey gang! Wanted to add a few words here just to further state my thoughts on the matter and I’ll leave it with anon after that :)

Elias is a very complex character! Boiling him down to his avatar-ness or violent tendencies was not my intention, just my response to the gist of what anon was saying! I agree with a lot of the conversations being had in reblogs and replies!

I can’t say for sure what anon meant when they said that characters like Basira, Nikola, and Gertrude get “treated softly” VS Elias, but I do find it interesting they chose that set of people! All three women (feminine?), but not all avatars. I’m not sure if anon meant to do this- compare only women (feminine characters) or compare a mix of avatars and humans- but it is how it’s being received: with the focus on anon’s mentioning them.

In my own personal experience, I see quite a bit more about Elias than I do Basira, Nikola, or Gertrude, and when I do see them, it’s typically because they are with other characters. Basira especially.

I will agree again with myself though- Elias is a cruel and violent guy. I think he quite often is more violent than he should be (but that is the scary part- the fact that he IS so violent and ok with it.)

And I will agree with myself again- Elias was working towards total global domination and frankly, even if you are fond of him, I think there’s still plenty of reason that the fanbase may not treat him “softly.” He’s not a particularly squishy character.

(I do like Elias, he’s an interesting character and lots of fun to think about (I’d like to imagine sometimes that he lives a lot like Jim from the American Office TV show does and just deadpans into non-existent cameras when the staff does something or his printer runs out of ink or his coffee spills, etc.))

I just think that there are layers to anon’s thoughts and that there can be both an agreement and a disagreement on different points.

And please, even if you disagree with an opinion, try and keep your words kind! You guys have been a lot of fun to talk with so far and I’ve loved the discussions I’ve had with you all!

Thanks!

-E (again)

[gay-jesus-probably]

Let me just preface this by saying everyone is allowed to have their own opinions, TOTK is a really fun game, and I'm glad that other people have been able to enjoy the story as well.

...But I'm being dead serious with my complaints about the narrative being 100% imperialist propaganda. And I'm getting really tired of people replying to those posts by saying it can't be imperialist propaganda, because imperialism is bad and the game says that Hyrule is the good guys.

Like, guys. That's not the argument you think it is. Yes, I am aware that the game tells us Ganondorf is a flat, one dimensional character with no ambitions, interests or motivations beyond destroying the entire world for the hell of it, and also it's totally not racist because he's green, not brown like literally every other member of his race. Unfortunately literally all of these things are kind of the entire goddamn problem.

See, the thing is, everyone trying to make these arguments is accepting the game at face value. Hyrule is the perfect and almighty nation chosen by the demigod Zonai, and whose royal family has the right to rule due to their divine heritage. The other races exist to serve the glory of Hyrule, and they're happy to do it. Ganondorf is pure evil and must be stopped at any costs.

But that's not how anything works. The story informing me that Hyrule is the ultimate good that has done nothing wrong is the whole goddamn reason why I don't trust Hyrule at all. There's always more of a reason than that. And the game fucking suggests there was more going on! Ganondorf mentions Rauru has repeatedly 'invited' the Gerudo to become Rauru's subjects, and let's be clear here, it doesn't matter how peaceful those 'invitations' were, when the guy who owns every single magical nuclear missile in the world repeatedly demands you surrender to him, there's always going to be an implied threat of 'do it or get magically nuked'. Just that power difference alone shows us exactly why Ganon would feel threatened enough to invade. It's because Rauru was holding a gun to his head, and Ganon was expected to just trust that he'd never pull the trigger.

And yes, even if it wasn't intentional Hyrule was always threatening to wipe out the other nations, considering the entire royal family walked around openly wearing their magical nukes as cute accessories. If they couldn't be safely hidden away, there wouldn't be four other secret stones sitting untouched in a vault until the last second.

But that's never acknowledged. Of course Hyrule is the only nation with the right to the secret stones; even if other races get to touch them, they can only have them if they swear eternal blind loyalty and servitude to the glory of King Rauru and Princess Zelda. Ganon wanting to have one magical nuclear bomb out of a stockpile of eight of them is proof that he's dangerous and evil. I mean my god, what if he just walked around all day wearing a magical nuke and using its power for his own benefit, that would be terrifying. It's only okay when Hylian royalty does it.

And you can't argue that Ganon betrayed his own people, considering we don't get to know fucking anything about his relationship with his people. He's shows as the leader of the Gerudo, we're told he's a hero to his people, he has soldiers that loyally follow him into battle... and then oh nevermind, they all hate him and will spend eternity trying to atone for sharing a race with him. How did the entire race do a complete 180 in the span of at most a few months? Who cares, what's important is that now they accept they exist to serve Hyrule so they get to be the good guys now and we don't need to know why they were following Ganondorf, or why they stopped following him.

Basically my point is that yeah, I fucking know how the game insists everything went down. That's the entire reason I think it's imperialist propaganda, because the entire story feels like Hylian propaganda to conceal and justify some horrific atrocities that caused all of this. I literally do not believe that I'm getting the story through reliable narrators, especially considering that the only people allowed to actually tell me the story are all the characters that have the most reasons to be heavily biased in favour of Hyrule.

When the game shows me protagonists that have a massive amount of power and control over the entire world, then says the bad guy doesn't like that system just because he's evil, and literally nothing and nobody in the game says anything to oppose that take, I have some questions about what the fuck the story isn't telling me. And I'd really appreciate it if people would stop trying to argue with me just by telling me to stop asking those questions.

[littleplantfreak]

Down to my level

Headcanons Ft. Umemiya Hajime, and Togame Jo

These guys are 6'2 and I think 6'1 respectively so have some writing about being shorter than them cause I'm 5'7ish and wanna climb them like a tree literally. Some ended up not being about height because i got off track thinking about Ume's arms //shrugs

Umemiya Hajime

Loves ruffling hair and he thinks it's endearing when you try to do it yourself to him. Catch him while hes squatting in the garden for perfect ruffling opportunities. (maybe a smooch or two as well)

He will seat you on things when he's kissing you so he doesn't get a cramp in his neck, or better yet just wrap your legs around his waist and he'll hold you up. Give those big arms of his a workout, he'll be more than happy to hold you.

Can't help but grab things for you if they're too high. If you have a problem with that he makes sure to have a step stool. (Just stop putting things so high? Nah he thinks it's cute when you're on your tip toes)

King of carrying - once again he is a big guy so he can do princess carries, piggybacks, fireman's carry, you name it. He's even tried carrying you under his arm like a football though it's not the cutest carry to be in.

He's easy to pick out in a crowd even if he didn't have white hair so you don't really have to worry about losing him.

Blocks out the sun really well or if you're hiding from someone you can basically disappear behind him.

His height also helps in games of chicken fights when you're in the pool or at the beach. Sturdy af AND tall? Y'all are unstoppable no matter how short you are.

"How's the weather up there?"

"Oh! Wanna find out?" Before you can answer he's wiping his hands off and scooping you up effortlessly, arms looped around your waist. Hands resting on his shoulders, you're a few inches taller than him like this. "What do you think?"

"Crystal clear skies...approximately 76 degrees fahrenheit and," you lick the tip of your pointer finger, sticking it out, "wind is blowing from the west. Not to mention the scenery up here is so much prettier than down there." He puffs out a laugh when you gaze at him a little lovestruck as you say the last part.

"You think I'm pretty?" he whispers, looking up at you for once.

"Illegally so." Your answer is so serious it's got his heartbeat taking off and he couldn't fight the smile if he tried.

"Y'know my normal weather man told me the exact same thing this morning!"

"So he's my competition?" You huff and giving him a pat on the arm signalling for him to put you down. Instead, he lowers you just enough so you're eye level with him, noses brushing lightly. Being this close you can smell the dirt from his gardening and the lingering of his minty shampoo from earlier this morning.

"You win every time sweetheart."

Togame Jo

Uses his height for good - usually. Kisses the top of you're head when you aren't paying attention to him.

If you're a brat he'll hold something you want just high enough for you to start jumping for it (thats the evil). He's impossible to knock down or and weighing his arm down to grab it doesnt work either. If Choji's around you can enlist his help in getting it since his jumps are always impressive. He accepts payment in candy though.

Also a carrier. He likes piggybacking you places the best. Especially in the winter cause you're extra toasty.

He's good at typing hair up and can help whenever you have a bad hair day. He's got a full view so he'll fix it as soon as its messed up.

loves being dragged down by his shirt to be kissed. He wears that gi sometimes though I don't know if thats the correct name for what he wears. In jiu jitsu its really solid and tough near the neck areas so you can pull and maneuver you're partner around? In any case when I see him wearing it I just wanna cross collar grip it and drag him on the floor (lovingly I swear) (I think its a gi?? I know he wears monks clothes so they might just be really similar)

You are not in a good mood. Togame's holding the last strawberry ramune over your head with a small frown and refuses to give it back. If anything you should be the one frowning. Sure you snapped at him because you were a bit grumpy, and it wasn't even his fault but you're tired, it's raining, and thats the last strawberry ramune.

"All ya gotta say is 'sorry' doll. I'll even open it for you if you want." he drawls slow as ever.

"I can get it," the words are punctuated by small hops and desperate grabs at air. You're even more winded than before and Togame's just deciding whether he should give in when Choji rounds the corner. A small gasp as a light bulb goes off in your head seeing Shishitoren's leader. "Choji I CHOOSE YOU!" You yell, pointing straight at the drink being held hostage. He moves before any thought can cross his mind as he makes a high jump between the you and Togame, successfully grabbing your prize. As he's handing you the ramune, you root around your hoodie pocket for the last few candies and trade him.

"Nice doing business with you! That wasn't very nice though Kame-chan" Choji chirps and waves before being lured away by the sounds of the other members laughing and talking about going out for karaoke.

There's a moment of quiet before you peek to the side to stare at your boyfriend. You realize you haven't been nice either and bite the bullet. Roll the ramune over in your hands, you look down at your feet.

"I'm sorry I've been grumpy at you. Think I'm just tired. 's no excuse but-" The drink is gone, being popped open by deft hands before Togame gives it back with a silent nod.

"There's a couch in one of the rooms down the hall. Want me to carry you?"

"You gonna lay with me?"

"That's the plan, yeah." Whether it's from the weather or from fighting with you, you can tell he's tired too.

"Good. And yes please." Your voice is soft as you reach up, wrapping your arms around his shoulders.

"There's my sweet girl," he grunts, hoisting you up in a princess carry and making his way to one of the back rooms further from the noise of the other boys in the theater.

[theredhairedmonkey]

What Dark Callum Means

And what it doesn't.

So, I think it's worth discussing what the appearance of this particular guy at this point of the series means and symbolizes, as I'm sure many people are going to have a field day with his.

And by "this particular guy," I mean Dark Callum.

Who, funny enough, is actually still more reasonable and moral than the psychopathic gremlin known as "snake boi callum" found across the fandom (as he acknowledges that he loves and cares for more people than just Rayla and Ezran), but I digress. In particular, I think what some fans are zeroing in on is that the show confirms (and it actually does confirm) that there’s always been this part of Callum that is willing to abandon his sense of right and wrong for the sake of those he loves.

But...that actually plays to the larger part of this season's themes in a way that ends up enriching Callum's position as the show's moral center. Let me explain why.

Book Dark (i.e. season 7) is about the loss of innocence, told not just through symbolism (the Garden of Innocents being where Unicorns went to die being a bit on the nose) but directly by Aaravos:

Aaravos: All children have a true heart. But as we grow up, we are forced to take choices, sacrifices, compromises. And they change us forever. Childhood innocence gives way to something...complicated.

The fact that Ezran is shown here as Aaravos speaks is not a coincidence - no matter how pure, life wears all of us down.

Then Aaravos' next speech contextualizes this further - not having a dark side isn't an attribute of goodness, but innocence. Eventually, all of us develop a dark side, and inevitable outgrowth of being forced to make compromises, harsh decisions, and sacrifices.

Aaravos: The true heart is a gift of childhood. For a few wonder-filled years, we each have innocent eyes to experience the world's beauty in a simple way. Terrestrius, you were lucky and held that innocent wonder longer than most. I have seen generations of humans and elves accept the darkness that lurks inside all of us beside the light. There is no black and white, only shades of gray. We must all carry complexity. But please believe me that there is beauty in this burden. Your heart will be a little heavier. But now, there will be no more half-truths, Terrestrius. Together, we will do what must be done. However dangerous. However vile.

It is worth pointing out how many people are shown together with the quote about "humans and elves accept the darkness that lurks inside of all of us." So when Callum meets Dark Callum, who tells him he's always been inside him even before he used dark magic, we shouldn't be surprised.

But his appearance actually tells us something different - that Callum had not yet accepted him. That the Callum we have been seeing throughout the show is not the one who would do whatever he had to for his loved ones "however dangerous, however vile."

And that is the critical part here, and why despite seeing the world as Aaravos does, understanding the need for compromises, Callum nevertheless opposes him - being good isn't about lacking the capacity for darkness, but about choosing what to do with that capacity. Callum's strength isn't that he never feels the pull to abandon principles for love, but that he develops the wisdom to channel that impulse in ways that ultimately serve good rather than evil.

In short, he sees the world as Aaravos does...yet chooses differently.

Consider how this differs from Aaravos's prediction. Aaravos sees this willingness to compromise for love and assumes it must lead down the same path of progressive moral erosion that he took. What he misses is that acknowledging this capacity doesn't mean surrendering to it entirely. Callum shows that you can recognize this part of yourself while still choosing how to express it.

This makes Callum's role as a moral center more complex and meaningful. He's not a moral center because he lacks dark impulses or the willingness to break rules for love - he's a moral center because he shows us how to acknowledge these aspects of ourselves while still making choices that serve rather than destroy our principles.

[shadowmaat]

BoTh SiDeS

I think part of the problem I'm having is that I can't understand the antivoter mindset. Why is Palestine the ONLY issue that matters? Yes, genocide is bad, and yes, Palestinians have a right to live in peace, but so does everyone else.

There are other genocides taking place, too. There are devastating natural disasters around the world. There are outbreaks of disease. People starving. People being oppressed and killed. People here in the US are dying, too. From poverty. From police brutality. From food-borne illnesses brought about by lax regulations. Life here is so expensive that it's near-impossible for "average" people to live in any kind of comfort, and forget health care. Or housing. Education is a shambles and budgets keep getting cut back. The farmlands need help. Everyone needs help.

But the only issue that matters is Palestine. And since both candidates "support" Israel, then it's impossible for a morally pure and just person to vote for either of them. Because genocide. There's no "lesser evil" because both sides are equally bad.

Even if you accept that blatant fallacy, why is that the only thing that matters? Why doesn't it matter who is going to do more to protect Black people? Or queers? Why don't immigrant lives matter? Or education? Cost of living? I could go on and on, but apparently all of that is irrelevant because of Palestine.

And it doesn't matter that a lot of Palestinians didn't want Trump in charge. It doesn't matter that a lot of them don't care either way. All that matters is that the self-righteous left-left-leftists can feel better about their choices. Because genocide. But only Palestinian genocide. Those other ones are bad, too, but they aren't as important as Palestine. Because Palestine. In a conflict that has been going on for decades, this is the sole thing that matters. Let the whole world burn as long as people out there know that a bunch of left-left-leftists didn't vote for genocide supporters.

They just keep parroting the same line. And the more I hear it, the less I believe it. Because it obviously isn't just about Palestine. Or genocide in general. And I think they got the outcome they desperately wanted. Without having to sully their purity by voting.

Except, y'know, none of them are morally pure. Or good. Or just. And the rest of us know it.

[hero-israel]

Breathe.

It is normal to feel pain, alarm, and sorrow, as we see what our world has turned into, as we hear what so many want to do to us. It wouldn't be human to feel any other way. I've been deeply involved in this issue for many years and truly did not expect so much of the goyische world to immediately go full werewolf on the thrill of seeing Jews tortured and massacred in high-res. Many of them are lost to us, and as far as I am concerned, there is nothing they could ever, ever do to regain my trust. They would never even think to give an apology, and even if they did, I would never accept it.

It makes matters all the worse that Israel - this age's morph of the reason to hate us - has for the last ~16 months been run by objectively evil and horrible people. A few of them have talked publicly about "encouraging voluntary resettlement" or claim to have held negotiations with African states. In all cases, less vile people from the same government have immediately denied those stories and said there is no such policy, no such talks, it is all just suggestions. When you have a government run by Internet trolls, criminals, and terrorist sympathizers, that is how they talk. There is no imaginable mechanism for any of this - it is impossible to believe any country would go along with it, or that it is taken seriously by anyone beyond whichever racist asshole is thinking out loud next to a reporter at that time. But even as idle blather, it is immensely dangerous. It represents a threshold we cannot cross. We cannot - as you said - "make that look good." The best we can do is recognize that this particular evil racist doesn't actually have the authority or method for doing it, he's just jerking off, the Attorney-General told them to shut up and stop advocating crimes.

There have been so many times when the world went utterly batshit about Israeli actions that were totally innocuous, about rumors that never even happened. I talk about it here all the time. Part of me is hoping that is an element of this case, even as I'm afraid, this time, it might not be.

And as I'm also afraid that things will get even worse for us if, as looks very likely, Trump wins next time.

So it is okay to feel utterly terrible about things.

And yet, we still have to breathe.

We are alive because Jewish people got through much worse times than these, with far fewer resources and allies than we have today. Everything we know, everything we worry about now, exists because even though They Tried To Kill Us, We Survived.

Confront reality - without despair. We are facing bad times and they may get worse, but we will get through them.

[orphiclovers]

Hear me out about yjh and blondes: 999 yjh x Uriel

YES I'm so into this pairing you have no idea. and lol about the blonde thing. yjh has a type.

I've talked about them some under the tag #999yjhuri (ship name pending...) so check that out but yeah I love them they're canon to me! I don't even know where to start talking about them because I have so much to say

The thing is that Uriel loved her captain so much. 999 is the only turn we know of where she was one of Yoo Joonghyuk's companions and it's sooo significant to that round specifically because she is an ANGEL and a constellation of the Absolute Good system!

Uriel saw this one man who sacrificed everything for his companions and decided she wanted to fight by his side. He was the 'good' she saw in the world. And then she had to stand by helplessly and watch as his soul and body withered from the outer world covenant. and see up close as with the same noble sacrifice she fell in love with he destroyed himself.

But they thought they could make it to the end of the scenarios at least, they were so close, but then at the very last moment he DIED IN HER ARMS!!! And she lost her mind with grief and swore eternal vengeance upon the one who took him away.

The good in her soul died with him! She who was the righteous 'absolute good' angel of Eden for thousands of years was so broken by his death she chose to become evil, to become the very thing she swore to destroy

And of course this neatly ties into spuri, the one who was the object of her single minded obsession for thousands of years. Even to the point when it made no sense, when she learned who he was, it didn't matter because the bloody path of vengeance was all she had and all that kept her alive.

And then there's the huge complicated mess of what SP thinks about 999 Uriel. His careful neutrality when she attempts to kill him and burns down his forest with all the inhabitants. The was he doesn't react because he thinks he is reaping what he sowed. He says to Kim Dokja that this is the consequences of his mistake - sees her as a divine punishment for his sins in the 999th regression rather than as a person who wants to kill him

And at the same time in his mind there exists 999, who, quote off the top of my head, 'sighs in lamentation at the sun' when she attacks N'gai. 999 is COMPLICATED and I won't get into his insane psychology in this post but in short, he feels pity for her and all the rest of his companions who turned into outer gods (and also SP...) but makes the frankly correct decision to not come back to them even though he technically COULD, because it would cheapen everything they went through. There is no way to turn back time and save your fallen companion, even when there is. He KNOWS they live in his memory and that's why he can never return (kim dokja anyone...). He does his best to stay dead, even in his afterlife.

And, stay with me here, there's the love triangle of it all.

Both Uri and SP wanted to save 999 but neither of them could. And she despises SP for killing the love of her life but they both wanted the same thing, for 999 to be happy!

I think about SPuri in the post epilogue OD household. Even though Uriel accepted that 999 wouldn't come back and gave up her futile revenge quest against SP, there's still lingering awkwardness and tension there. After hating him for so long it's difficult to act normal around him. I imagine she treats him with civil distance.

And then, when SP does something small that reminds her of 999, she has to look away to remind herself that 999 didn't want to come back and to respect his decision, berating herself for mistaking SP for the man she loves, which is disrespectful to them both.

Even though SP didn't often think of 999 and himself as the same person, I think spending all his time around the 999th turns companions + having 999s memories in his head would inevitably bring out old habits and that side of him more. To all around bittersweet feelings from the outer gods, not just Uriel

[lu-zijing]

So.... BSD Chapter 117.....

NOOOOOooooOOOO- I THOUGHT I COULD TRUST NO MAIN CHARACTER WOULD DIE IN BSD UNLIKE JKKkkkkkk—

But also... :D

DAMN GOOD FREAKING STUFF—

Ahem, big spoilers under the cut ofc- (If I didn't already ruin that—

Here are some quick thoughts about the new chapter, 'cause I saw someone do it and now I wanna do it too. Let's all suffer and glee together.

*SNIFF*

This is my first time reading a chapter the DAY it comes out and DAMN I got a FULL-SERVED PLATE With Anguish, Excitement, Undefined feelings, and just.. other feelings, as well, served dangerously close AND MIXED together.......

✨✨✨✨✨🥹🫠

The whole thing about Aya and Bram is just so Heart aching and Beautiful..!！!!！

The fact that Aya did exactly what Bram's daughter had promised him, And that he then called her, his daughter.

The meaning of what he said... ”YOU，YOURSELF，MUST BECOME THE KNIGHT.“

SO BEATIFULLLL✨✨✨😭

And This.... JUST THISSS

Why does it always hurt so much more when there is a promise like this in a flashback right when a character dies.

.

AND THE FREACKING FACT THAT BRAM SAW HIS DAUGHTER AND LIKELY THE MOTHER AS HE DIED ...!!!!

That did actually make me feel better.

Sniff.....

"The first time" he died, I was definitely in the classic denial- you all know it- But this time I can accept it.

I really appreciate Aya and Bram got this talk, and that we got to see Bram go off like that. And like I have already seen some people mention, I agree that it's a good thing Bram really died.

Please don't come at me as well—

I am definitely not an enjoyer of character deaths, and in most cases, no- just all cases, I would just want to get them back, Don't get me wrong I REALLY hoped Bram would come back..!

But I also agree that sometimes, making a character die some kind of big death, （maybe self-sacrifice for example）and then just bringing them back without anything to it can be a bit - Unforfillling no matter how happy it may be they came back.

And now when Bram did die,

And since he got such a nice ending, talking to Aya and seeing his daughter, and wife(?) I can live with this. I wouldn't complain if he came back though- NO- I mean- He deserves his happy ending- If you could call it that given the circumstances.

Point being, GOOD DAMN WRITING AS ALWAYS ASAGIRI!!!✨✨✨✨

But...

BUT THAT CERTAINLY IS NOT THE CASE FOR KUNIKIDA RIGHT NOW ASAGIRI I AM IN DENIAL—

WHICHEVER GODS YOU BELIEVE IN DOSTOEVSKY I HOPE THEY DON'T LIKE YOU...!

I can see Bram, but I did NOT expect Asagiri to do this to a main character like him- Kunikida was never really a character I looked that much into, but to you who did- I can imagine the self-denial must have hit HARD some places on earth right now.....

No- I REALLY LIKE HIM TOO WHO AM I KIDDING, I guess I'm just not crying as hard as I would if it was Chuuya or Dazai for example- Oh Dazai.

I am genuinely scared to see how he will react to Kunikida's death. They are close. We all know Dazai likes to annoy those close to him.

And the fact he may even blame himself for not figuring it all out sooner... I really hope he and Chuuya stay together for some time..

...Could this be potentially Dazai angst in plain view of everybody? Characters and readers as well? I wanna see both the Agency and Chuuya see him breaking down at some point..

Am I too evil considering the current circumstances-? Okay sorry, maybe not sorry-

....

On one side I really wanna see how well Chuuya would do in a fight against Amenogozen, and on the other, I am scared considering even a character like Kunikida would die. a MAIn-

To be honest, I am genuinely not sure whether or not he is really dead.

The Agency can easily survive a stab to the chest, and that's why this hits harder.

It wasn't the stab wound that killed him, It would have if Yosano hadn't come in time, yes, but that doesn't matter now, because rather it was because of the fact that the stab wound turned him into BUBBLES Amenogozen swallowed, that he died.....

Which makes me wonder.... We don't know anything about those bubbles. What if people who died like that can be brought back if Amenogozen is killed/defeated or something like that?

Maybe Amenogozen can bring them back if it's willing itself?

That may be a little too hopeful, but STILL!

WHAT IS THE DEAL WITH THOSE BUBBLES...!!!!

It sure is damn SURE that we don't know anything about them yet, so I will keep a little hope for now.

And a last thing about Amenogozen, His EYES-

Not alone the fact that meeting his- or its(?) gaze did that, but also the fact that its eyes are shaped like three "parts/spots" considering it is a "Tripartite Fusion" I found that detail pretty awesome..!

ALSO THE FACT THAT A SINGULARITY CAN HAPPEN WITH THREE PARTS AS WELL!!!!

I guess if two things can then why not three but still!! It was a fusion between two Swords and a Human!!! This is really something to behold..!!!

(okay, to be honest, I am still not completely sure of how a normal singularity even works, so please excuse me if I'm wrong, and tell me how it works instead  🥲 ))

Haahhh, Okay let's end this on something happy.

AKUTAGAWA IS BACK BABYYY OH YEAHHHH!!!

THE FREACKING FACT THAT AKUTAGAWA BASICALLY PROMISED BRAM HE WOULD LOOK AFTER AYA—

Someone better do a redraw or coloring of this Panel- Am already heavily considering it myself-

Akutagawa sure has had some serious character development in this story- AND. I. LOVE. ITTTT ！！！！

I could not see him saying that at the start of the story, especially at least to someone he barely knew.

He even said "UNDERSTOOD" As if he not only promised but also, well.. Understood them.

I hope he and Aya actually get some kind of friendship and actually, well, talk, and it isn't just Akutagawa saying this and doing it, but never really speaking with her.

I am a BIG fan of character interaction between big/main characters or characters you like, that you maybe wouldn't normally think about interacting, with or just haven't really interacted with before -Like how I desperately hope Atsushi and Chuuya get to talk, and not just one time, but get some kind of at least somewhat good friendship- THAT WOULD BE AWESOMEEE

I really hope Akutagawa and Aya will talk now as welll!!! I hadn't even imagined this duo before, but I wanna see it!

And also guys, this panel is also stunning, let's all just get that settled.

I LOVE the effect, but it doesn't beat the rendering in Akutagawa's comeback panel

I didn't expect Amenogozen to be able to talk. But ah well... I guess it makes sense. They still have a human body... kinda......

Anyhow, Thanks for reading! I would love to hear some thoughts in the comments, reblogs, or whatever, if you're wanting to share some thoughts about thisss!!

Oi, oi! And one last thing!

This panel:

This.

I find it incredibly Ironic that that even Bram who was called a demon, a devil- Vampires, that usually is the Enemy of god, yet he still refers to the Lord in Heaven himself in his despair.

To refer to god, like this in his despair -even as a vampire- just like any other, really hit me hard. He had feelings just like any other human.

Ofc, he does say it in anger, but a faithful human in this situation could easily have done the same. So whether or not he liked god before or even now, As a vampire, I just thought he wouldn't even mention god in a situation like that. But he did.

Also, both his daughter and likely Wife (or Lover) looked quite human, didn't they?

It's hard to say with the woman, but at least the daughter didn't have pointy ears. So I guess Bram even fell for a Human back in the day， huh?

He was human himself in the past, but he must have already been a vampire at this point. He clearly has those pointy ears and the same looks as present, in the flashback with his daughter.

....Wow.. now that you think about it, his whole story must be incredibly interesting and sad....

Anyhowww, seems I could keep going, so I will wrap it up for now- Like I said, do comment or whatever, with your thoughts!! Would love to discuss this- We have a whole month until the next update guys. Let's get this talk going

[superkooku]

Dionysus' iceberg

This post is what remains of an initially very long rant idea. That means there will probably be a part 2 😏.

Here's the reason for my title :

In theory, you can stop there since my meme pretty much summarizes my complaints. But since I like ranting, I'll continue 😈

The tip of the iceberg

When you think "Dionysus", which words come in mind first ?

Probably "wine", "party", "alcohol" "fun god".

These words are what most people remember about Dionysus. And yes, I'm not going to deny, they fit.

Unfortunately, my problem comes with the fact that 9.5 times out of 10, Dionysus' personality will exclusively revolve around these aspects.

Since the issue is about modern adaptations and perceptions, I'll use a modern term.

I'm sure most of you are familiar with flanderization, right ? If not, the link to TV Tropes' article on the subject is available.

Many adaptations fell into that trap for, I think, every single Olympian.

Hades, god of the dead, lord of the Underworld = Satan, evil death god, darkness and sorrow

Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty = Superficial bimbo who only cares about her pretty face

Zeus, king of the gods, lord of the sky and thunder = 100% pure God OR more recently : evil king god who constantly abuses women.

The gods are stripped of their complexity to fit simpler and more "digestible" characterizations. It doesn't help that the cultural context surrounding them is also taken away...

But this is about grape boi, right? Well, Dionysus is no exception to that rule. In fact, he might be one of the worst cases.

So far, he was never really portrayed in an "insulting" light, like Apollo in Lore Olympus or Hades in the Percy Jackson movie. Fortunately.

But, from all the popular adaptations I've seen, none of them manage to portray Dionysus ! None ! Does that make them automatically bad ? No, of course. It's just something I noticed.

God of war ? Doesn't appear, only mentioned

Disney ? Don't even try 🤣. Just a drunk goofball. Yes, that includes the fantasia segment and Hercules.

Lore Olympus? Well, he's a baby for 99.99999% of the time, so it doesn't count. But he's still a quiet little Gucci bag for Persephone.

Hades I ? Just a nice guy. But hey ! He can give us useful boons ! And I like his sass.

Maybe he'll do more in Hades II. They're usually more accurate than most, right ? Though that's not a very high bar. And they know about Zagreus ! Surely that's a good sign, right ?

Nevermind...

Here's what all these adaptations tell us :

Dionysus is the god of wine, feasts and parties

He's an Olympian

He likes to get drunk and party 🥳

And that's it.

Again, I'm not blaming anyone, but if the myths stopped with those three points, wouldn't everyone wonder why he's even an Olympian ? I sure did when I was a kid.

We have the god of thunder, the goddess of wisdom and war strategy, god of music/arts/medicine/100 other things, the god of the oceans ! Many cool gods !

And some drunk dude. He's not given any particular power, except the power to stay super passive no matter the stakes ! If the story revolves about epic godly fights (which is often the case), he's absolutely useless.

Heck, Hades II even actively depicts him as a pacifist who can't handle war. While he's not physically a weakling, he sure psychologically is.

Why is this a problem ?

I am not going to beat around the bush: this gives us a very incomplete and incorrect perception of the god.

Even the things that aren't forgotten about him (like his link to wine) aren't explored.

The thing with Hades II (that's the last time I'll mention it) is that it tries to deepen the flanderized version of Dionysus. He's not stupid, but afraid. He drinks to forget his issues.

While this characterization can be very interesting taken separately, we must remember that this isn't an OC, but an interpretation of a cultural figure.

It must be accurate ! While I can accept some liberties, I think that those should mostly be an extension of the original material, not a total deviation.

Dionysus isn't a scared little boi or a stupid drunkard you can manipulate. In fact, that's quite the opposite. And he's not afraid to get his hands dirty.

(even if the "dirt" in question is the blood of his enemies).

Under the surface

Though it's rather "stuff you can find on Wikipedia". Or by reading the myths.

More about it in part 2 of the rant...

It'll be about theater, madness, travels, link between mortality and immortality and... pirates turning into dolphins.

The actual interesting stuff about Dionysus.

Edits :

1. Thanks to @st4riel-the-w1tchling for clarifying the situation about Percy Jackson. I made my own research about BoZ. My opinion is basically still the same. Again, nothing terribly offensive, but nothing that interesting for Dionysus either.

2. I made part 2 a while ago, might as well add it here :

[aishangotome]

Azel Radwan: Chapter 4

Chapter 3 Letter

Thank you @shatcey for providing the video for this chapter!

♡———♡

The first impression I had of him, a merciful and kind-looking Living God – it all vanishes like dust scattered by the wind.

As I glare at the invoice thrust at me with scammer-like tactics, Azel, having revealed his true nature, grabs my chin with his large hand and squeezes my cheek.

Azel: Shall I show you what happens if you defy me?

(I'm angry at myself for being deceived by this person... no, this God, even for a moment.)

Emma: ...Please do.

Putting on a brave face as a last resort, Azel's lips curl up in amusement.

Azel: I am the supreme authority in this country.

Emma: More so than the king?

Azel: He's just a puppet. He can't defy me or the "apostle."

Emma: ...Apostle?

Azel: That doesn't matter.

(If there's someone called the "apostle" besides the Living God and His Majesty the King...)

(The power structure of Tanzanite may be more complicated than I thought.)

Azel: Anyway, in this country, the Living God is an absolute deity that even the royal family worships.

Azel: What do you think would happen if I simply said, "I won't let Akatsuki do business here anymore"?

Emma: ...Th-That's cowardly!

Azel: Cowardly is fine. The same goes for the two princes of Rhodolite.

Azel: They came here to investigate the internal affairs of Tanzanite, but I can kick them out anytime.

Azel: It all depends on your attitude.

(Does this mean I have to swallow this unreasonable situation if I don't want to cause trouble for everyone?)

I'm sure that the Owner, Clavis, and Luke would all come to my rescue if I asked for help.

But if I defy a God, I won't be able to avoid expulsion from Tanzanite.

The evil God's unjust invoice was deviously clever.

(However, there's something I don't understand.)

Emma: ...The Living God intended to burden me with debt from the beginning.

Emma: But what's the purpose of making me, someone you just met, incur debt with a scammer's trick?

Azel: ............

Emma: If it's about money, you've chosen the wrong person to scam, haven't you?

Emma: I don't have anything of value, and I'm not the daughter of a rich family.

Emma: There must be a purpose other than money for that invoice.

Azel: My, my... you're quite sharp, aren't you?

Azel: However, the purpose should be obvious, shouldn't it?

Prince Azel forcibly turns my face towards the counter.

It was as if a mountain of ingredients was eagerly awaiting to be cooked.

Azel: I want meat dishes.

Emma: ...Huh?

Azel: And it's not just any meat dish. I want to eat Rhodolite's local cuisine.

Emma: ...Can't you just hire a personal chef?

Azel: I just did, didn't I?

Emma: I meant a professional...

Azel: It's a shame to tie a skilled person to such a remote place.

Emma: Am I not pitiful!?

Azel: I'm just getting paid for my divine divination. What's so pitiful about that?

Emma: ............

(So, you mean you made me go into debt for the purpose of making me cook?)

(There's no way I'm going to accept that.)

As I glared at him, he squeezed my cheeks playfully.

Azel: You look unconvinced, but I hate cooking.

Azel: I have to do it because I live alone, but I don't do it for pleasure.

Emma: ...Don't you have any servants?

Azel: It would be bothersome if I did.

(It's unexpected that the Living God does everything himself...)

Azel: So, I'm looking forward to it. Please make enough for tonight as well.

Emma: Am I not bothersome?

Azel: Of course, you are. But I can still bear it.

Azel: My definition of "bothersome" is... well, you'll understand eventually.

Finally, Prince Azel's hand left my cheek.

But the only exit was completely blocked, and there was no escape route.

Emma: Every day until I repay the debt?

Azel: Of course. Every day, including cooking and other miscellaneous chores.

Azel: You've become a slave of God – no, an emissary of God to repay your debt, haven't you?

Emma: ...I heard you, you know?

Azel: Anyway, if you want to repay even a little of your debt, get to work.

Azel: Also, I'd like dessert today.

His face alone wore a God-like, benevolent smile, but now that I know it's an illusion, I won't be fooled.

(I have a lot to say and I'm not convinced at all, but...)

(I can't defy the supreme ruler of Tanzanite.)

Emma: Fine.

(Resistance is futile. Arguing is pointless. In that case–)

I roll up my sleeves and reach for the ingredients.

Azel: It's good that you're understanding.

Emma: However...!

Picking up a fruit I've never seen before, I point my index finger at Prince Azel with my other hand.

Emma: Even if I'm in debt, I will say no to things I don't like.

Emma: Don't think I'll just obey everything you say.

When I declare this forcefully, Prince Azel's eyes widen for a moment, and then he bursts out laughing.

Azel: Even for a foreign girl, you have quite the nerve to talk back to a real, unknown God like that.

Azel: Should I say you're a true "Belle," or just a fearless idiot...

Azel: Let's see what you've got.

-

The desert night was freezing cold, as if the scorching heat of the day had been a lie.

Clavis: Emma... are you alright?

Emma: I'm fine, but... huh, there are two of you, Prince Clavis.

Emma: Could it be... you're twins...? That's news to me, wow!

Luke: You're not fine, you're drunk.

Emma: Oh.

Luke takes the container of alcohol from my hand.

Instead, I'm given a container of water.

Emma: I can still drink, you know?

Luke: No, you can't. Make do with this.

(Am I really that drunk?)

Clavis's guest room, which serves as the banquet hall at night, was warm and cozy, and the feeling of floating was just like a dream.

(Dream...)

(I wish everything that happened during the day was a dream.)

The face of that evil God comes to mind, and I bring the container to my lips again.

Whether it's alcohol or water or anything else, right now I just want to wash away the feeling of the world's absurdity swirling in my chest.

Clavis: Hmm, you might not be compatible with Tanzanite's local alcohol.

Luke: It's Clavis's fault.

Clavis: It was Luke who suggested bringing alcohol as a souvenir.

Luke: I thought it was better than some weird drink I didn't understand.

Clavis: What are you saying? Calling the desert country's specialty, "God's One Cup that Sends You to a Dream World in a Single Sip," a weird drink.

Luke: ...Don't try to bring such a dangerous thing as a souvenir for Emma.

Luke: In the first place, why is such a thing being sold in the market? Regulate it!

Luke has been drinking about as much as I have since a while ago, but his complexion hasn't changed at all.

Clavis is only drinking fruit juice, so putting that aside, the Owner, who is silently enjoying his drink, doesn't seem drunk either.

Clavis: By the way, what is that "thing" that Akatsuki has been looking at so intently since a while ago?

Akatsuki: A map.

Luke: A treasure map?

Akatsuki: There's a possibility that valuable documents from an ancient civilization are stored there.

Clavis: Haha, I can't believe it's really a treasure map.

Clavis: Where on earth did you find it?

Emma: ...The Living God gave it to me.

*flashback*

Azel: I never expected you to be such a good cook. I'm satisfied, thank you.

Azel: Oh, and here you go. Make sure to deliver this to Akatsuki; he'll be desperate to have it.

Azel: However, don't say anything unnecessary. What happened today is a secret between you and me.

Azel: Well, with your intelligence, it goes without saying that you'll keep quiet.

*back to present

(I mustn't remember.)

I gulp down the remaining water in an attempt to banish that triumphant smile from my mind.

Thanks to that, I feel a little less drunk.

Emma: Prince Clavis.

Clavis: What's with that serious look? I won't give you any more alcohol.

Emma: That's not it. What kind of person is the Living God that you know?

Emma: You were laughing yesterday when I said he was merciful and kind.

(Maybe he knows his true nature.)

Clavis: Haha... you must have had some encounter with the Living God, haven't you?

Emma: ...No, I haven't.

When I avert my eyes and say this, Clavis starts grinning mischievously.

Clavis: There's no need to hide it. I'm sure he wasn't the God you imagined.

Clavis: After all, that man is greedy.

Emma: ...Greedy?

Clavis: Maybe it's easier to understand if I say he's obsessed with money.

Clavis: He's a God and a prince, but for some reason, he desperately wants money.

What flashes through my mind is that exorbitant invoice, the root of all evil.

Luke: He doesn't seem like that.

Clavis: It seems he chooses who he begs from.

Clavis: He must have his eyes on me and... let's see, Silvio.

Clavis: As the richest man on the continent, he could probably squeeze even more money out of him than me, right?

Emma: ...That's awful.

Clavis: But you get what you pay for.

Clavis: As befits a Living God, he's a man with special abilities that ordinary people can't understand.

Clavis: Those who donate to him will never regret it. You could say his begging is a fair trade.

(From the way he's talking, Clavis knows that he's "greedy," but he doesn't know that he's a scammer.)

(...Unlike me, he doesn't seem to have a bad impression of him.)

My faint hope that Clavis might understand me is shattered.

Akatsuki: Emma.

The Owner, who had been studying the map with a serious expression while holding his drink, finally looks up and takes off his glasses.

Akatsuki: I'll be traveling for a while.

Emma: Are you going to the place on the map?

Akatsuki: Yes, it's in a remote area.

Akatsuki: I need to cross the desert, climb a cliff, enter the weathered ruins, and head to the hidden area in its depths.

Luke: ...Are you some kind of adventurer?

Akatsuki: I want to ask you to handle the rest of the requests.

Emma: I just need to deliver the books, right? Leave it to me.

(The fact that the Owner is so restless means that the documents at the place on the map must be quite valuable.)

Clavis: Luke and I will keep an eye on Emma. You can go on your adventure without worry.

Akatsuki: I'm grateful. What about souvenirs?

Clavis: Then, the legendary seasoning hidden in that remote land.

Akatsuki: Understood.

(Eh, does that really exist?)

Clavis: Emma, if anything happens, let us know.

Luke: I'll punch anyone, no matter who they are.

Emma: I'd prefer if you didn't resort to violence, but thank you.

(..........)

(If I were with the Owner, I might not have had time to go to the Living God's place.)

(If he deliberately separated me and the Owner with that in mind–)

I somehow suppress the urge to groan by drinking the water I've added from the jug.

-

(What... is that?)

The next day, after seeing off the Owner who left on his adventure early in the morning and finishing my own work, I returned to the castle. Just then, I happened to spot Prince Azel walking, surrounded by women.

(This is the first time I've seen the Living God inside the castle.)

(Oh, His Majesty the King is there too.)

The women were all uniformly dressed in the beautiful, revealing sheer robes unique to Tanzanite, and even though it should still be daytime, an alluring nighttime atmosphere seemed to permeate that space.

(I don't know where to look.)

Azel: –Enis. Please resubmit the national defense budget. Allocate a little more to the expeditionary fund.

Azel: There were still reserve funds remaining, right? You can use those without hesitation.

Azel: Maintain the investment in public works. Let's also allocate part of the budget for cultural preservation to the expeditionary fund.

Azel: I want to allocate all the surplus to the expeditionary fund, so please submit the revised proposal as soon as possible. I'm looking forward to it in three days.

Enis: As the Living God commands.

(The king is bowing his head. But that conversation just now was about politics, wasn't it?)

(It was as if the Living God had all the decision-making power...)

Prince Azel thrusts the documents he was holding into Enis's hands.

He wore a merciful and gentle smile, with no trace of the cunning I saw yesterday.

Azel: Well then, I'll be on my way—...

Enis: Please wait. While you're here, why don't you visit the harem today?

(...Harem?)

Azel: Are you bringing that up again? You're persistent, even though you know it puts me in a bad mood.

Enis: It's an order from the apostle. Please forgive me.

Azel: Yes, yes, it's just the old man's rambling. I've said it many times, but I'm not interested in women.

Prince Azel doesn't even glance at the women surrounding him.

His behavior shows a firm will.

Azel: Don't forget that even a gentle God might bestow divine punishment if you're too persistent.

Enis: Of course, I'm aware of that. However, if the precious bloodline of the Living God is severed, Tanzanite has no future.

Enis: Even if he has to gather all the women in the country, the apostle will not give up.

Azel: The fact that he's likely to actually do that is what I call insane, or rather, he's been awfully persistent lately.

Azel: ...He's probably concerned about the "false diviner" incident.

Azel: It's none of my business. Even if I were to lay my hands on a woman, it wouldn't solve anything—...

(Oh...)

I accidentally make eye contact with Prince Azel.

I give a slight bow and immediately turn on my heel.

(I feel guilty, like I've heard something I shouldn't have...)

(I feel like I've heard a warning bell telling me not to get involved any further.)

I start walking quickly, hurriedly escaping from the place with its strange atmosphere.

But then, someone grabs my shoulder from behind and forcibly stops me.

Azel: Miss Emma, where are you going?

Cold sweat trickles down, and my movements become stiff.

When I lift my strained face, Prince Azel changes his benevolent smile into a malicious one at an angle only I can see.

(...This is bad.)

Enis: Living god...

Azel: Enis, tell the apostle..

In front of the many women and Enis, the Living God pulls me into his arms.

Azel: ...that the God has taken a liking to the foreign girl.

.

.

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Chapter 4 Normal Story | Chapter 4 Premium Story

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