#but seems like we're on the tail end of the bad part of that too

[hattiestgal]

Hey hi powers back

[corseque]

Transferring a twitter Dragon Age 4 theory to tumblr:

This is a theory about the very latest DA4 information that people were upset to learn about because they want to wait for the game rather than hear too much, so look elswhere if that is you. I suspect that Rook is called "Rook" for a reason. I suspect their color is purple for a reason.

Rook is associated with trickery and death, a bad omen.

Hmm.... that reminds me a little of a "dread wolf."

I, for a long time, thought the game was called "Dreadwolf" because the main character would be taking on the trials and tribulations and responsibilities of the Dread Wolf onto their own shoulders. This suspicion has expanded hugely in my mind when I think about DA4 because what exactly is the story set-up, here? What is the Dread Wolf?

Solas, who is playing the role in the story of Dragon Age of an ancient trickster deity, has claim and power over the functions that trickster gods. Namely, power over doorways, thresholds, boundaries.

It doesn't matter what Solas thinks about godhood if he has all the trappings and power of godhood. There is no material difference in a fictional story.

(I love that Solas in the prologue is demonstrating exactly what you would expect from a Trickster God in this situation - manipulating boundaries, and then being Just a Little Guy.)

So the game prologue opens on Solas, a trickster god, delicately manipulating the magical boundary between worlds, which is something that you would expect a trickster god to do. Then unfolds a scene in which a tiny figure (Rook) causes a larger-than-life god (Solas) mischief and, with Rook's foolish meddling, undoes the very fabric of normalcy, trapping the trickster god and throwing the world into chaos, upsetting the very balance of power between the gods, threatening the end of the world.

Rook then recieves power over the Veil the trickster god has, the sacred knife that the trickster god wields, the ability to traverse back and forth between the boundaries only easily traversed by the trickster god, the magical mirror teleportation network of the trickster god, the magical floating Lighthouse home of the trickster god, the responsibilities of the trickster god, etc.

Rook also recieves the advice of the trickster god, whether they want it or not (it seems).

Do you see what I'm saying?

"They call me the Dread Wolf, what will they call you when this is over?"

I think this game may be about Rook becoming a trickster god.

As Felassan tells Briala in The Masked Empire, "[Becoming a god] is for the stories to decide."

Tricksters in folklore are very often mortal, human heroes. Very often, they act stupidly and foolishly (like we are said to do by interrupting Solas in the prologue) and somehow win anyway.

And what more powerful figure could there be, to fight with gods? Only a little guy like Solas or Rook, could hope to fight multiple gods and win. A little tiny trickster hero who makes foolish mistakes but is unkillable like Bugs Bunny is actually the perfect challenger to all-powerful deities.

Anyway, so if we get all of Solas' powers and his responsibilities, if we're, in a way, in training to become a trickster god. We may be stepping into myth and doing his job for him, disrupting things the way he does, and there will be comparisons. (the articles tell us that Solas is comparing himself to Rook, and that he doesn't like what he sees of himself in Rook). People always acted like Solas' situation was incredibly easy, but imo we could never actually understand what his story was, or see it from his point of view, enough to judge him. But if we actually walk in his shoes, then maybe we can actually have a part of the conversation. And later, maybe part of the myth.

The little Rook-bird that tugged the Dread Wolf's tail and let the creators free again, the little trickster Rook that destroyed or saved the world. I wonder what kind of trickster they will call us, when it is all over?

[head---ache]

hi im gonna drop brass' lore on you bc i didnt realize i never did

Just for context, Brass and Emmie are the same age, with Brass being born a couple of months after. So, while Emmie was cooking in the tube, Starline, who we're gonna say is alive, steals Tails' Tube Baby Project™ files, and tries to copy it, because he believes this is an attempt to make a bio-weapon at the same level of Project Shadow, and he wants to be ready for that, and besides, this seems like an improvement from Surge and Kit to him.

So he gets on with it, and he of course has Surge's DNA, but he doesn't want to combine it with Kit's because he can't imagine the result of that mix would be of any use. At some point he gets his hands on one of Amy's quills, probably by being a creepy stalker to all of the main cast, and decides to mix it with Surge's DNA in order to continue with his Anti-Tube Baby Project™, however, he then realizes Tails is actually attempting to take down the power levels and make his project more stable, which is not at all what Starline is looking for. And also, most of the power Tails' baby project would have comes from both from the Chaos Energy Sonic and Shadow have, and the Black Arms DNA passed down from Black Doom, which are things Starline simply can't get his hands to: Chaos Energy? Maybe, but not nearly enough, and it would probably be fake, highly unstable energy. And Black Arms DNA? Simply impossible.

So he just gives up. Tails isn't even making a weapon out of his project, so Starline doesn't even need his own anymore. So he abandons the hedgehog baby he made, inside the tube, and forgets about them for months.

One day Surge and Kit break into Starline's base, looking to steal some stuff from him, mostly Surge's idea just to annoy the guy. They eventually come across the big tube holding the small green hedgehog, still in the tube, however, pretty ready to go. And Surge just acts out of instinct, she doesn't even stop to think for a second before taking the baby with her and running as Kit follows her and keeps trying to ask her what she's doing. The thing is, she doesn't even know, but leaving this baby behind was not an option.

And when they got home it finally dawned on her, that now they had a baby at home and she didn't know what to do with it.

"So, uhm- Are you gonna raise it?" Kit asked, and Surge suddenly snapped as if nothing had happened. She stood up and walked away from the baby, crossing her arms behind her head and turning away.

Chaos, no. She was already a terrible mother to Mareep, she couldn't do that to another child.

"Nah! You can keep it if you want, tho." She shrugged.

Kit moaned, wavering.

And so Brass grew up with Surge and Kit, but they wouldn't call either of them their parents, although Kit would maybe be closer to that, as Surge seemed to be trying very hard to not be a parental figure to another kid.

On the other hand, Brass' relationship with Amy is fine, they can talk, Amy does try to be part of their life, but Brass is very indifferent to the idea. I'll share a little dialogue I have in mind because to be honest I don't really have much context for it, but it explains Brass and Amy's relationship kinda well.

"Listen, Amy, you're nice, and all, but you're not my mom."

"But I could be, Brass. I want to be, if you let me."

"I just- I don't think I want that, yeah? You can just pay attention to your actual children, I'm fine."

And also about Brass relationship with Mareep, it's also fine. They get along, they're just not super close. But they also have a mutual understanding, and Brass might be a little jealous since Mareep at least has Lanolin. And Mareep is a little jealous because Brass doesn't seem to be doing too bad even after being raised by Surge, while on her end Surge was kind of the root of all of her problems. But they get along fine.

Basically Brass wasn't super close to anyone (but acting as if it was fine), until she met a certain hedgehog-alien girl and her AI girlfriend TEHEHEHE (⁠ ⁠ꈍ⁠ᴗ⁠ꈍ⁠)

[s0lar-ch3ri]

weird pine trees in my minds forest

(it is just vyncent being gay, based off a ghost knife post i made which i shall link at home) (edit heres the link i forgot to add for so so long)

Aren't emotions weird? Vyncent knew they were. They seemed to change over time as he looked at Will. He didn't want to stop looking at him, which...that wasn't "normal", right? Will was great, wonderful even. He was awesome enough that he felt his own body twist his stomach and his face get warm. His legs even feel slightly wobbly if he's close, but he can say that doesn't happen.

He was also very pretty, Vyncent wasn't scared to say it (to anybody but Will, for some reason), his friend was quite nice. Will normally had fluffy black hair that reached his shoulders, but right now he had tied up in the back with parts sticking out the side, also was a bit flatter from Will forgetting to wash it. There was some white strands in his bangs and in the back some more blue curls. His face held a couple of pimples (if Vyncent remembers the word correctly) and the under eyes had deep eyebags. His pants were some black bagged sweats that reached upto his red sneakers. He normally also had on his regular graphic text t-shirt, but this time had sleeveless grey v-neck with a skull and crossbones on it, hoodie around his hips. His hands had midnight blue nails (Dakota managed to do them sometime before) that were barely visible with how dark his hands at the tips were. On the right he had a skeleton fingerless glove and on the other some bracelets and some skull ring he felt like was from Fauna. His eyes were a bright blue, almost glowing, very piercing, but Vyncent liked the way they saw into his.

"VYNCE BE-"

Right, dancing. That's what Vyncent was doing with him. Despite the tail, Vyncent was a horrible dancer without any balance. He figured he could learn from Will, even if he's never seen Will dance before. Could be half an excuse to hold his hand. Who knows, Vyncent won't tell.

Will was definitely stronger then Vyn was remembering, catching his arm and pulling him back up and sending a shiver down Vyncent's spine.

"Are you feeling good Vynce? You- Oh man you are so red, did you get sick again?" Will started laughing a bit.

"I'm feeling fine, perfect and normal, just...wanna keep trying?"

"Yeah, sure, I'll start the music back up."

Vyncent thought he knew the tune from show with gems and magic they watched once, but decided to go without comment. He's holding onto Will’s hand, and he finds his gaze going back to Will's eyes. Oh my fuck, his eyes are entrancing. He keeps stumbling around because rather then focus on his feet, though Will doesn't seem to be holding up too much better. Despite it, he keeps giggling and laughing as he looks at Vyncent, and Vyncent gets redder and starts laughing too as they fumble around their own feet.

Of course, the stumbling on Vyncent's end only ends with one way, falling forward onto Will, knocking them both to the floor. His face is just about a dagger away from Will’s. The only noise at the moment is the faint song playing. Vyncent's just looking at Will, who blinks back at him. Will just starts laughing again. Vyncent feels his heart skip beats and his tail swish and even his ears flutter slightly, turning reds he doesn't know are okay. It's hitting him all at once at just how pretty he finds William Wisp with his not-exactly-right laugh and the tremble in his lips before he speaks and the way his hands seem to grip either just too tight or just too weakly, unaware of their strength, and just every small thing he's heard someone call strange of The Wisperer.

Basically, Vyncent cannot get the thought of just how wonderful Will looks and is.

"We're really bad at this, huh?"

"I thought you'd know this a bit better..."

"Wh- Okay, *why* exactly would I know how to dance?"

"...You're awesome like that?"

"Vyncent, I can barely even use my legs right let alone- just-" He snickers about it. "Me? Dancing?"

"I'm not that observant!" Vyncent noted the way Will tapped his left pointer finger on the floor with his nail, a heart beat pattern almost. He was happy, that's good, and totally not an observant thing to pick up on.

William smirked a little bit. "Imagine if we were dancing heroes." The idea sent a visible shiver down Vyncent's back, and once again did Will start laughing, Vyncent laughing with him. Nothing was funny, it was all just stupid, yet maybe it felt so ridiculous to Vyncent for any of this. William was too pretty for focus, and he tried to get him to teach him to dance without any reason.He wouldn't have been like this before, but he didn't mind how it's changed where he's red on the floor, laughing with his best friend. Feelings are weird, so is he, and maybe it doesn't matter if Vyncent was thinking of William deeper. He can pretend it's a new normal.

[bumblebeehug]

It's insane how much I hated laxus, bickslow, gajeel and Ichiya during their first appearances but now I love them

YOU SAID IT!!!!!

Laxus? I didn't like him even remotely until my THIRD rewatch of the ENTIRE series. I just didn't understand his nuances. To me he was just a dick who then became sappy and bland. Now however? If Anyone Hates Him They Also Hate Me. He was a kid, like everyone else, and he wanted his father's love, but his grandpa had basically disowned Ivan. Sure, it was for a good reason, but Laxus didn't know that. To him, his Ivan was still his dad. Still, he stayed at Fairy Tail, but oh! Look at that! His grandpa, who scared away his dad, doesn't seem to care about Laxus as much as he cared about all the other kids at Fairy Tail! Damn!! I'd become filled with rage too!!! And then, after the whole angry arc for Laxus, we're talking battle of Fairy Tail and stuff past us, he rises above his past. He had every right to get angrier, to hate the world more, but he looks at himself, realises his faults, and lives a life to redeem himself. If that's not an amazing character, then I don't know what is.

Bickslow was a dick in the beginning but I'm afraid I loved him ever since he took that helmet of in the Battle of Fairy Tail. Damnnnn he looks good AND he's funny! I'll take 10 of him please and thank you.

Gajeel was also one of those characters that quickly grew on me, but that's mainly because we saw that he didn't just "turn good" as soon as he joined Fairy Tail. He was grumpy, he hated the sappy guild stuff, he explained that he was only there to keep working. But it was clear that the love from the guild softened his steel heart - he allowed himself to be beaten down by shrimps (Jet and Droy), he took a hit from Laxus in Levy's place in order to redeem himself, and he genuinely became very loyal to the guild because deep down he was a good guy. He was just in bad company for a long time.

Ichiya... That guy... He's one of those characters that you can't really hate because he's not actually a bad guy, but he's sooo hard to wholeheartedly love because he's just so creepy. For Erza to fear him as much as she does is just bad character for Ichya. It's hard for me to see any redemption from that. Still, he's pretty harmless and makes for a couple of good laughs. Gotta say though that he's on the bottom of my list of characters in this post.

My own addition to characters I hated at first: Jellal. Oh dear. I remember the first time I watched Fairy Tail and the whole Jellal thing played out. I wanted to like him so bad, but the trillions of curve balls were too much. Every time I felt a sliver of compassion for his past, I'd see that smirk that he did behind Erza's back in the tower of heaven, and I'd physically recoil. His whole redemption arc went completely past me, because him losing his memory in nirvana was just lazy and cruel to 12 year old me. Now I know that it's just part of his redemption, that him losing his mind was meant to stirr things around in your head. Erza wanted to hate him too, but at the end she couldn't. Not him. I think I only started liking Jellal this year. I could tolerate him before, but I found him overrated. Now? He's my son. He went through so much bad, and now he has to live with it. The bad things he went through, the bad things he did. The people he killed. And it's no wonder he wanders the earth with only one purpose now - he's so righteous that he lives to redeem himself. Not to die for his sins, but to live for the good. And I know that's his whole thing, I was just too stupid to realise it in the past. Like, I technically understood, but I didn't understand. I love Jellal now, but damn was it hard in the beginning!

[itsbubbleteataro]

Like we're gonna die young

Warnings; drink and alcohol abuse (getting clean) angel dust being angel dust, the Vs

Parings; Alastor x fem reader

Part one of ?

(I blasted so much early 2000s/2010s pop with a sprinkling of punk, playlist here

You didn't think you were a big deal. You were just some pop star from the early 2000s who ended up in hell. You just liked to keep the party going. When you showed up in hell you found yourself with animalistic features.

Your already wild multi-colored hair be wilder and longer. Your legs now looked something akin to a wolf's. You have two large wold ears. Shrugging you did the only thing you knew how, party. You walked into the nearest club, got too drunk and broke out into a Kesha song. Next thing you know, your a social media hit.

It's been a few years since you came to hell and became an overnight hit. You went to the same bar, acting as some kind of unpaid performer if you were on enough drugs or drunk enough.

You were in a booth, sipping on something someone handed you a while ago, scratching your arm. You were withdrawing, trying to go clean on your own. You knew that you couldn't do alcohol on your own, you would need to get medical help for that one, but drugs? You figured you could do it.

You were three days, you found that scratching your arm seemed to work for now, but it wouldn't quench the hunger that was there. It's been two days and you already wanted to relapse.

You were irritated, only made worse by a new presence at the club, the Vs. All three of them, sitting in the vip section. You gulped as you watched them all take a seat, and the owner of the club, Rina walked over.

Rina had animalistic traits just like you did, only instead of wolf like, she's more fox like. Rina has skin that's more akin to fur, cunning jade colored eyes and long well kept black hair. Rina looked at you with sympathy. She's the only one who knew you were at least trying to get clean.

"(Y/n) I hate to ask, but do you think you could preform tonight? I know you don't work here but the Vs are hear and I'm panicking!"

You nodded agreeing and standing up. You quickly swallowed the rest of your drink while Rina looked at you thankful. The two of you were close, friends. Yet you refused to work under her. You were thinking leaving your empty glass on the bar as you leaned against it.

You snapped your clawed fingers as you knew what song you wanted to do, your fluffy tail waving back and forth to the sound of the music that was already playing.

Before you could even start a second familiar face walked up to you. You recognized her. Cassidy had short black hair cut in a bob. Her eyes inky pools of black with white. She dressed as if she fit into the club crowd, but you knew her better and knew she would much rather wear something else. She snaked an arm around your shoulder and pulled you close,

"(Y/n) I need a favor~ I promise I'll get you whatever ya want if you do it"

Cassidy asked quite straight forward. You nodded your head so she continued,

"Get Vox to talk about himself for me, I've got a hunch he's been up to something"

"Cassie, you know he already does that-"

"Yeah yeah I know but I hear he's been doing a little cheating~"

You raised an eyebrow. Now this was interesting. You always thought Vox and Valentino were an item, apparently they weren't exclusive if they were. You had no idea Vox had even gotten himself into a relationship, let alone knew anyone who would openly date him. You felt bad for whoever he was with, that is if what Cassidy was saying was true.

"Ya got proof?"

You know Cassidy usually doesn't talk to you about things like this unless she has proof. Both you and Rina gasped as the picture Cassie held up with a smirk.

Sure enough it was Vox with a man, making out in a back alley. You smirked, having just the song to push his buttons the way Cassie wanted you too.

As the three of you conversed on a little plan, Angel Dust, Husk, Cheri bomb, Nifty and Sir Pentious walked in the club. Charlie and Vaggie were in Heaven for a meeting about the extermination and Alastor was out for an overlord meeting. Charlie had asked Cheri bomb to take them all out on an outing while the three were away and they ended up at the very same club you were.

The bunch took their seats, Angel Dust making sure to keep an eye on Nifty and making sure she wasn't drinking too much, ending up placing her in Husk's care as she played with his feline like ears.

The music in the club was quickly replaced by yours. (Link here to song) people started cheering as they realized they you were finally singing for the night.

Your foot thumped against the ground as the song started, tail wagging with excitement. As you opened your mouth to sing you cringed, you sounded tipsy. Shaking the thought from your head, the show went on.

Angel Dust and Cherri Bomb realized right away who you were from the start of your performance.

"Holy shite it's (y/n) she's here tonight? Fuck yeah!"

Cheered Cherri Bomb as the group now watched you. While everyone but Nifty, she was busy playing with Husk's wings. Husk raised an eyebrow as Angel Dust pulled out his phone to record the performance.

Meanwhile Rina had taken the picture from Cassie and use her abilities to shift her appearance. Her usual fox like features turned to a more hellborn like one, choosing to look like an imp from lust as that would fit in more. She took the picture from Cassie and set off behind you.

You sang and made your way over to the Vs. you smirked, wanting to get under their skin, but not enough to the point where they would kill you.

As you placed your finger under what you would consider to be Vox's chin, the firm flat metallic edge of his flat screen tv face, Rina walked up, setting down the picture Cassie took.

You take your leave, hips swaying as Angel Dust watches closely, eyebrow lifted. Rina leans over the table and slides the picture to Vox and also takes her leave.

Angel dust focuses his camera on Vox, whose screen glitches for a moment as Val raises an eyebrow before moving it to Rina who shape shifts back into her regular form, before locating your form once more.

You're dancing on the bar, shaking your hips, hands in your hair, enjoying the rush of the show. Angel stops his recording and turns to the group, motioning for them to head back.

The group makes its way to the hotel where Angel makes the mistake of leaving his phone open, with the video up and playing on the main table, having been called over by Charlie for something.

Alastor comes waltzing in after his Overlord meeting, looking over at the miniature picture box he so detested. He raised his staff, about to break it, when he watched your interaction with Vox. The way you looked at him with a slight smirk on your features followed by the picture being slid over almost made him feel something.

Was it admiration? Was it respect? He didn't really care to find out quite yet, all he knew is that he found you quite interesting. He paused the video as it zoomed in on you, smile wide on your face, clearly drunk, but enjoying yourself.

Yes he didn't quite enjoy seeing how drunk you were, but it still didn't change the fact that you had managed to get under Vox's skin with nothing more than what seemed just like a photograph.

He may not have knew how he was feeling but he did know

He just positively had to get his claws on that photograph

---------------------------------------

@slytherin4ever @iheartpieck @luzzbuzz



[perspectivestarters]

Perspective's Sentence Starters; The Tortured Poets Department by Taylor Swift (Part III)

THE BLACK DOG

You forgot to turn it off.

I just don't understand how you don't miss me.

She's too young to know this song.

Old habits die screaming.

I move through the world with a heart broken.

I may never open up thе way I did for you.

You said I needed a bravе man.

Do you hate me?

Was it hazing for a cruel fraternity?

I pledged, and I still mean it.

Six weeks of breathing clean air, I still miss the smoke.

Were you making fun of me?

Now I wanna sell my house.

I hope you hear it.

I hope it's shitty in The Black Dog

This tail between your legs, you're leaving.

I still can't believe it.

IMGONNAGETYOUBACK

The one that fits me like skin.

You knew the price going in.

I can tell when somebody still wants me.

Once you fix your face, I'm going in.

Whether I'm gonna be your wife, or gonna smash up your bike, I haven't decided yet.

I'm gonna get you back.

Whether I'm gonna curse you out, or take you back to my house, I haven't decidеd yet.

You'll find that you were never not mine.

You're mine.

Small talk, big walk, act like I don't care what you did.

I'm an Aston Martin that you steered straight into the ditch.

I can take the upper hand and touch your body.

I might just love you 'til the end.

Whether I'm gonna flip you off, or pull you into the closet, I haven't decided yet.

I can feel it coming, honey, in the way you move.

We're becoming something new.

Say you got somebody else.

I got someone too

Even if it's handcuffed, I'm leaving here with you.

Bygones will be bygone.

Pick your poison, babe, I'm poison either way.

THE ALBATROSS

Wild winds are death to the candle.

A rose by any other name is a scandal.

They tried to warn him about her.

Cross your thoughtless heart.

She's the albatross.

She is here to destroy you.

One bad seed kills the garden.

One less temptress, one less dagger to sharpen.

Locked me up in towers, but I'd visit in your dreams.

They tried to warn you about me.

Devils that you know raise worse hell than a stranger.

She's the death you chose.

You're in terrible danger.

I've been there too, and that none of it matters

Wise men once read fake news and they believed it.

You couldn't conceive it.

You were sleeping soundly when they dragged you from your bed.

I tried to warn you about them.

I'm the albatross.

I swept in at the rescue.

The devil that you know looks now more like an angel.

I'm the life you chose.

CHLOE OR SAM OR SOPHIA OR MARCUS

I just watched it happen

Seemed like he would've bullied you in school.

You just watched it happen.

I loved you the way that you were.

If you want to tear my world apart, just say you've always wondered.

You said some things that I can't unabsorb.

You turned me into an idea of sorts.

You needed me, but you needed drugs more.

I couldn't watch it happen.

I changed into goddesses, villains, and fools.

Changed plans and lovers and outfits and rules all to outrun my desertion of you.

Too impaired by my youth to know what to do.

Will that make your memory fade from this scarlet maroon?

Could it be enough to just float in your orbit?

Can we watch our phantoms like watching wild horses?

Cooler in theory, but not if you force it.

HOW DID IT END?

We hereby conduct this post-mortem.

He was a hot house flower to my outdoorsmen.

We could not cure them.

A touch that was my birth right became foreign.

It's happening again.

We'll tell no-one.

We must know, how did it end?

We were blind to unforeseen circumstances.

We learn the right steps to diffеrent dances.

Lost the game of chance, what are the chances?

Guess who we ran into at the shops?

Didn't you hear? They called it all off.

How did it end?

The deflation of our dreaming leaving me bereft and reeling.

But I still don't know, how did it end?

SO HIGH SCHOOL

I feel so high school every time I look at you.

I wanna find you in a crowd just to hide from you.

Tell me 'bout the first time you saw me.

I'll drink what you think.

I'm high from smoking your jokes all damn night.

Your friends are around, so be quiet.

I'm trying to stifle my sighs.

I feel so high school every time I look at you.

Are you gonna marry, kiss, or kill me?

It's just a game, but really.

I'm bettin' on all three for us two.

No one's evеr had me, not like you.

Touch me while your bros play Grand Theft Auto.

It's true, swear, scouts honor.

You knew what you wanted, and, boy, you got her.

You already know, babe.

I'm hearing voices like a madman.

I HATE IT HERE

Tell me something awful.

You are a poet trapped inside the body of a finance guy.

Tell me all your secrets.

All you'll ever be is my eternal consolation prize.

I was a debutant in another life, but now I seem to be scared to go outside.

If comfort is a construct, I don't believe in good luck.

Now that I know what's what.

I hate it here.

People need a key to get to.

The only one is mine.

I read about it in a book when I was a precocious child.

I'm there most of the year.

My friends used to play a game where we would pick a decade we wished we could live in instead of this.

Everyone would look down 'cause it wasn't fun now.

Seems like it was never even fun back then.

Nostalgia is a mind's trick.

If I'd been there, I'd hate it.

It was freezing in the palace.

They found a better planet.

Only the gentle survived.

I dreamed about it in the dark.

I felt like I might die.

I'm lonely, but I'm good.

I'm bitter, but I swear I'm fine.

I'll save all my romanticism for my inner life and I'll get lost on purpose.

This place made me feel worthless.

In my fantasies, I rise above it.

Way up there, I actually love it.

THANK YOU AIMEE

There's a bronze spray-tanned statue of you.

It was always the same searing pain.

All that time you were throwin' punches, I was buildin' somethin'.

I can't forgive the way you made me feel.

I can't forget the way you made me heal.

It wasn't a fair fight, or a clean kill.

She wrote hеadlines in the local paper, laughing at each baby step I'd take.

Everyone knows that my mother is a saintly woman, but she used to say she wished that you were dead.

Your words are still just ringing in my head.

When I count the scars, there's a moment of truth, that there wouldn't be this, if there hadn't been you.

Maybe you've reframed it.

In your mind, you never beat my spirit black and blue.

I don't think you've changed much.

I changed your name, and any real defining clues.

One day, your kid comes home singin' a song that only us two is gonna know is about you.

All that time you were throwin' punches, it was all for nothin'.

Our town, it looks so small, from way up here.

[bhaal-battle-beer-bard]

Kissing every one of your ridges – With horns and tail and everything

➹pairing: Astarion x F!Tiefling DarkUrge Tav (Bard Saulus by myself @judasiskariot)

"Let me kiss every single one of your ridges"

➹summary: Tav only reacts totally supportive and respectfully after Astarion’s "But this...this is nice" confession at Act II. But it also hurts her inside to hear that he just tricked her out of bad habit and not meant it true, when she already did. That lurks in her head and she start to delusional thinking, that he also does not want to touch her, because he secretly dislikes her Tiefling body and she begins to hate it…

➹content/tags/warning: angst, self harm, self hatred, body image problems, fluff, romance, lime/spice, body positivity

➹word count: 3,737

➹pictures: all of course by the talented @aristenfromwarsaw ; highly recommend her blog

➹a/n: I am not going to say it is the fault of @aristenfromwarsaw again, but it is her fault 😆🤣😜🤗

Her wonderful romantic screenshot of Astarion&Saulus inspired the ideas in my head to this story

Title credit also goes to her, because it was her reaction when telling her my story idea and yeah 😭❤️😭❤️😭 *ugly sobbing*

“I don’t know how else to be with someone. No matter how much I’d like to.” " You are worth a great deal to me, no matter what you're going through. I care about you. Deeply" "This…this is nice!”

The conversation was not many days ago. Astarion revealed his true feelings towards the Bard, or maybe some lies about his behavior, but to reveal true feelings at the end. Feelings he seemed to get caught by surprised. He catched them like a cold, at least he sounded while his confession.

But Saulus understood his message. His words did not really matter to convince her, alone the true sound of his voice was enough for her to understand. He never had spoken to her like that before.

Astarion wanted them to be something real and Saulus wanted to give him time, space and respect for his body. Taking the steps back, they made to fast in the first place. She liked Astarion, not his figure or their nightly trysts.

„Is it really okay with you that we kiss?”, asked the Tiefling concerned after parting her lips from Astarion’s.

“I said that I want to take things slow and abstain from Sex, not that we are strangers to each other from now on”, clarified the elf.

He pulled her down on the sleeping roll in his tent.

“I am not made of porcelain, even when I am looking so beautiful like that”, he purred and kissed her again.

Their bodies lay cautiously together and the bard let herself in for a kiss again.

Her arms held Astarion tight while her lips explored his ever more firmly.

The vampire became a little heavier on her, she felt his body weighing on hers.

In a pleasant way.

She heard his breathing and her own sighs between kisses.

His hand lay at the skin of her side, dancing up to her rib cage like a wisp of the wind. Her skin tingled when feeling his own.

The hint of a touch of his fingers at the base of her breasts under the light sleeping fabric.

She wanted to feel Astarion, so much to feel his touch. His hands on her breasts. His firm grip.

Her skin burned under his fingers, burned like the fires of Avernus that could only be extinguished if their bodies were united. How much she longed to feel him inside her. But...no, they didn't want that. That was exactly what they didn't want anymore. And it was good that way. But his lips and his hands on her breasts made her body think further. Her body that knew his and longed for it.

Saulus groaned and her hands automatically pulled Astarion closer to her. He paused briefly and then it hit her that they might be going too far.

She had no control over her lust, was going to overstep…no it seemed she already did. They agreed that Sex did not matter, and yet she enjoyed his closeness too much. In the wrong way.

Frightened, she pushed him away.

"Stop!"

"What is it?", asked Astarion irritated.

"We should cease that.”

"What exactly? We're just kissing."

"Yes. Let's call it a night.”

Astarion and the bard separated. They sat down on their knees facing each other. The Tiefling gently took his hands in hers and smiled slightly at him before Astarion leaned back a little and looked at her expectantly. She slowly pushed his hands back and placed them on his knees.

“It's getting too stifling and hot for me in this tent...I....should go.” Saulus downright jumped on her feet “I need to go."

Who even initiated the kiss? Him or her? It was Saulus herself, right? He didn’t really want to kiss her actually, screamed her inner panicking voice in her head.

She messed up.

She told him she would wait patiently whenever he was ready to have a physical relationship with her again, and she messed up.

Like the little obedient Sceleritas Fel said she would. Not in a funny bloody way the butler seemed to enjoy so much, but the in the way to destroy everything that has a meaning to her, when touched by her hands.

Saulus went to the waterside.

Dark, cold water.

Dark and cold like the frowning glance upon her unknown soul.

She slipped out of her clothes and went into the water.

She shivered only a little bit.

The ice cold sparks of the drops felt good on her heated skin.

The blank surface mirrored her reflection perfectly back with the shimmer of the moon casted by the silvery maiden of the night.

Saulus looked at her silhouette.

Her body.

Her face.

Sharp teeth, devilish tail, ridges under skin, pikes upon her shoulders, demonic horns and long claws of a monster, that torn apart the sweet Tiefling bard Alfira. Dripping from her blood.

Nobody mourned her. Nobody blamed her for her death.

Only Gale was a bit scared afterwards.

Yes, she was a monstrous demon. Straight from the hells.

Tears walled up the blue eyes with the burning sparks of Avernus in it and Saulus punched frustrated and full of hate into the water. Punching her reflection, so that she did not have to watch her devilish countenance of a monster no longer.

No wonder Astarion did not like her from the start, only slept with her that she was on his side, saw him of use that her killer rages were to his favor, not against him. No wonder he was scared of her.

No wonder he did not want to touch her no longer.

Saulus would not want to touch her either, if she were in his place.

Why would he?

He might be a ravenous vampire, but still a high elf with full of grace. Head high, perfect posture, fine lips and nose and chaw line.

And she - slowly her silhouette manifested on the water surface again and Saulus looked upon her deep dusk purple appearance…she was just a demon from the hells.

A monster with a little doomed butler that was whispering urges into her ear and soul, that made her hand twitch in desire to kill the sweet moon cleric.

She would also not touch this foul, wretched body full of pikes of a devil.

Not when there were sweet elven maiden with light skin, pink shiny nibbles and long silver hair to touch and kiss.

The other night, Saulus already wished Astarion a good night and made her camp round to bid her “Sleep wells” to everyone.

“And ducks…I like ducks”, said Halsin.

Saulus chuckled.

Astarion’s ruby eyes had left the words from his book a long time ago. At least once the bard started talking to the druid in such a familiar way.

Only his face directed towards the book, to make the appearance of reading. His elven ears were literally all ears for the conversation of the Tiefling and the beary archdruid. Big dumb mountain of muscles, flinched through Astarion’s head.

He glanced side-eyes like a grumpy cat…ready to jump and claw.

“That is incredible cute“, she said her thoughts out loud. “And I pull myself together not to say: Unbearable cute as honey.“

„Oh, I bear you to say that”, Halsin winked and the bard nudged his shoulder while both laughed.

“It is nice to hear some laughter in this shadow curse troubled lands. But I would be happier when the curse is lifted for good. Once and for all”, sighed the druid.

“We are working on it. I hope too that it takes not much longer, Halsin.”

“Thank you. Thank you for everything. Rest now and restore your strength for the tasks of tomorrow.”

“You too, Halsin.”

“Look, I had a plan. A nice, simple plan - seduce you, sleep with you, manipulate your feelings so you'd never turn on me. All you had to do was fall for it. And all I had to do was not fall for you...which is where my nice, simple plan fell apart” "So the nights we spent together didn't mean anything?"

The words of Astarion echoed through her head.

Now when her body wanted to lay down to rest, her head could not stop to speak to her.

When talking to Astarion after her approached at her, all she could think about was to make clear to him, that he mattered to her. Mattered to her in every way. As a person, as a friend…and yes, more as friend. But it would never inflict how she would think about him, help him, protect him.

She wanted him to know that he is valued for just being, not for his body or something he could be use of. She made clear that he is free whatever he wanted to do so. Of course, when this included being with her, would make her most happy, but she would have understood if he wanted more distance, time to think and think for himself and his true needs and desires.

At least Saulus did not the hell know who she really was. The urgings in her head were sometimes…strange.

Bloody…

Having the talk with Astarion seemed to connect them, brought them closer. But lying awake at night, it just made her…sad by now.

All his sweet words and intimacy were just an act for him. He was an actor, playing the only role he knew. Slept with her ‘cause he thought he needed to. The only way to thank her for her blood because he didn’t think he has something else to give. Tricking her into liking him, while only than she would have protected him, as she would only protect lovers and not also friends.

As if they could not be friends without him giving his body and take care of hers.

All this while she wanted to get closer to him, because she started to like him. Fell like a dumb baby bird out of its nest.

She liked him not for his looks, but his snappy words. Giggling like a dumb fool at his mean sarcastic comments. Liking the theatric pronouncing of his words, worth of a bard.

Yes, she wanted to be near to him, only him and the true one, not the façade he put up. But…she only knew the façade, so it seemed. How could she claim to like the “real” Astarion, when he showed him to her only once.

He lied to her, tricked her, fooled her.

Or could she believe that all of this was just a glance and he catched the feelings right away and did his actings still out of behavior? 

She remembered her reflection in the water.  Horns and tail like a devil.

Why would he pick someone like this over others?

“It was easy - instinctive. Habits from two hundred years of charming people kicked in.” "So the nights we spent together didn't mean anything?" "Be true to yourself, my Lady.”

The blood-stained words of the mysterious butler and her own mixed themselves up in her head. Swirling, screaming. Red…dripping red with a murderous frequency of volume.

Saulus grabbed the sharpest dagger at the camp. Determined.

Her feet led her the way besides the Last Light Inn down to the waterside.

Quick, unseen, quiet.

She went again to the waters.

Pulled her blouse over her head and exposed her dusk violet skin to the moonlight, reflecting on the water.

But Saulus no longer looked at her reflection. She only was near the water, so the blood may drip in there and being washed away with no evidence.

No evidence…like killing the bard, my foul lady, again the voice of Sceleritas Fel echoed through her mind full of holes.

Saulus fell for Astarion. She fell so hard, that it almost hurt, she realized by now. Maybe not the tadpoles or the dark urge or the shadows of this lands were her curse, no – maybe it was rather Astarion.

She knew she liked him, really, deeply. But only by now she realized what that really meant. It was maybe a bit scary. Or at least this dark shadow in her swirly head, told her so. Told her not to be worth of loving, or making her kill a whole city for him, if she must. Dangerous thoughts, Saulus knew that they did not belong to her. That were not her thoughts…where did they come from?

She felt light, joyful, sincere, happy, loving the love. That was her. But this things in her mind – in her heart – what kind of curse of those four possessed her, to whisper such things in the Tieflings unconscious?

She bit her sharp teeth together to shake off the voice inside her.

The Tiefling needed to focus on her task.

The bard reached with the knife to her back.

The blood should drop into the water and been washed away, away into the hells she must came from.

Saulus no longer wanted to see the horrific ridges upon her skin. She hated the damn pikes of demonic wings over her shoulder blades. Taken away the wonderful white, smooth elegant skin of a elven maiden, that Astarion could really like, desire…love at the end even.

With sadness, rage and desperate determination Saulus tried to manage to reach her back properly. Began to reach the ridges of the wings upon her shoulders with the sharp shiny blade. Breathing in frustration.

“What in the sweet hells do you think you are doing there?!”, snapped Astarions angry voice suddenly from behind and sounded reproachful and chiding.

He caught her by surprise and Saulus flinched.

At that very moment she felt him snatch the knife from her hands.

„I…I…“, she stuttered, covering her naked breasts in shame, did not know how to explain to him what she was doing.

Astarion looked concerned with his ruby eyes upon the skin of her back, made a step forward and his cold hands breath a hint of touch upon her skin.

Caring and careful.

“You got deep cuts”, he whispered softly, tenderly, concerned. More to himself than to her.

“Let’s go to Shadowheart!”, he said with loud, firm and convinced voice. “Our religious troubled cleric shall heal these cuts.”

“No!”, snapped Saulus quickly and almost panicked back “Not Shadowheart. It is not her duty to heal this.”

“I think a healing potion will not help immediately against the bleedings of the wounds”, explained Astarion to make her clear the cleric was the obvious logic choice. “Or do you prefer your druid to help you”, he muttered darkly with a nitpicky undertone.

“What did you say?”

“Nothing!”, Astarion shocked his head and expelled his own thoughts, seeing they were toxic dumb and made up in his head, “I said nothing.”

“How did you get injured?”, asked the pale elf with an empathetic undertone, that she had rarely heard from him before. Astarion was surprised by himself.

But he cared. Cared for her. He glanced at the knife in his hands, he took from her. “Considering that, you hurt yourself. Why? What did you want to accomplish with that?”

His ruby ​​eyes sparkled at the Tiefling woman with a raised eyebrow. The look of his sharp eyes made Saulus nervous.

“I…”, began Saulus again stuttering.

 “I wanted to cut off this ugly ridges and attachment of wings away from my damn shoulders”, she shouted angrily in desperation. Her face a manifest of loathing, hatred, disgust against her own body.

Astarion's face darkened visibly at her words.

„What? Are you dumb? Why would you do that?” All the softness was erased from his tone and words. His face full of anger and misunderstanding.

“Look at me! I am ugly! I am a monster!”, she pointed at her body. “With this stupid tail and horns. Kagha called me a devil, everyone does…and they are right to do that. That is all I am: A demon doomed by the gods. Straight out of the hells where I should rot with my wretched body. This body nobody wants to touch and love.”

Astarion grabbed her hand pulled her roughly towards him “Don’t you ever say that again!”, he hissed, flashing angrily with his eyes.

“But…”

“Nothing but, my silly dumb devil girl”, he purred. Astarion closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

“Come…”, he took her by the hand to the water, „…let’s wash this blood off your body.“

Her feet could already feel the sparks of the water.

The elf kneeled down in front of her, he pulled her leather trousers down her legs. The same way followed gently her undergarment.

With almost bated breath, Saulus looked at Astarion's white curls and watched him undress her.

Astarion gave her a quick wave and she stepped out of her pants without saying a word.

After that, his skillful hands undressed him himself.

Saulus watched as the white fabric of his shirt revealed the skin of his muscular chest, which shimmered palely in the moonlight. With slightly flushed cheeks, she looked away to stop staring at him.

It was ridiculous considering that they had slept together several times. But the situation had changed and the Tiefling wanted to be respectful. To give him space and maintain boundaries.

After they were both completely naked, Astarion took her hand again and waded into the water with her.

A shiver ran through her body briefly, which was noticeable on her skin and chest. But only briefly. Because even though the water and Astarion's hand were cold, his presence was still warm.

He carefully turned her around by her shoulder so that her back was to him.

After that, Astarion began to carefully clean the cuts. With a fine white handkerchief soaked in water that he had previously taken out of his trouser pocket, he gently stroked her skin to wash the blood off it.

He didn't say a word.

He was simply gentle and caring.

His hands skillful and loving.

He was just there.

The touch of a tingling sensation felt on both of their skin as they stood in the dark water of the night. Like the touch of angels' kisses: It began to drizzle gently.

The smell of rain slowly rose to their noses.

After nothing was visible on her body except for the cuts, she had made with the dagger in a stupid attempt to cut off her wing attachment ridges, Astarion carefully turned her over. The gentle spray slowly turned into drops of rain.

He probably didn't have to try so hard. The rain would have washed everything away.

It always did, right?

Could the rain wash you clean?

Astarion looked deep into her eyes. Could still see the struggles. The uncertainty.

He put a hand on her cheek, gently stroking it before he leaned over and kissed Saulus tenderly.

His other hand gradually came to rest on her hip and pulled her closer to him.

Despite the rain and her wet hair and the raindrops dripping from her horns, her body was warm.

Warm in the dark, foggy night that was slowly turning into the day. Yes, the night was always darkest before the fog gave way to the red of the morning. They would break the shadow curse as the druid had so urgently requested and longed for and then the sun would rise here again. But first Astarion had to break the shadow over his beloved.

His cold vampire hand stroked behind her head, roughly tangled in her wet hair and pulled it tighter against his kiss. At first they had only gently put their lips together, but now their lips had begun to suck each other deeply, to caress each other. Astarion's tongue skillfully stroked her lower lip while his other hand pulled her closer to him. Her lower body pressed against his, gently and lovingly, not arousingly. The vampire felt Saulus' breasts gently pressing against his own chest, which was getting wetter and wetter because of the night rain.

Astarion felt the rain. But above all he felt her.

His beloved.

His trouble-ridden lover.

She was so comforting warm and Astarion hoped inwardly that his own cold, undead vampire body did not feel too cold for his loved one.

Yes, he wanted to have her, he really wanted to try to have a relationship. Before he lost the chance with her. Lost her to someone else, or to herself. To her darkness.

She gave him something to worry about and care for. He was not indifferent to her like he was to everything else that did not concern him. And her love for others showed him that he was not indifferent to them either. Shadowheart, Gale, Wyll, Lae'zel, Minthara, Karlach and all the others. (Halsin maybe a little)

Slowly their lips separated and Astarion's hand came back to her cheek. His forehead rested on hers.

He felt their wet hair touching. Felt the tickling raindrops dancing on their skin.

"I never want to hear you talk badly about yourself again. Never think that again. You are wonderful."

"Really?" the Tiefling asked carefully and her eyes opened and tried to look into his eyes as best she could.

"Of course. You are beautiful. And I'm not just saying that," Astarion assured her in all seriousness. "I know," he sighed, "you find it hard to believe me after I deceived you at the beginning, right? But believe me, I'm serious. And that has nothing to do with the fact that I really think you're beautiful. And despite the inexplicable, mysterious darkness in you, I think you're a kind, wonderful person."

He smiled at her briefly before his face slipped into the mischievous elf face that everyone knew him to be.

"So despite the bloody start, the evening was actually quite nice and interesting."

"Astarion..." said Saulus and gave him a tormented smile, "...can you at least be serious for once and stop making jokes? If that doesn't work, it's better not to say anything at all."

"Sush..." the elf hissed playfully and led the bard out of the water.

"Come...", he said soft and true again, so true he wanted to be from now on forever to her, "I want you to sleep in my arms. Resting with me. With horns and tail and everything."

Astarion smiled at her “And then let me kiss every single one of your ridges.”

Original Picture Posts by @aristenfromwarsaw

➹a/n: This turned out way angstier than I wanted it to be 😰

 I never had enormous tragic backgroundstory with huge lore in it like so many others. Only funny quirks maybe. At home we came up with the fun idea, that Astarion started to test whether tiefling tails are erogenous, when he got bored during negotiations with Gortash. Since then it has been a running gag that he secretly does things with her tail in public. I asked if he then tries to find out what he can do with her horns when she is sleeping until she wakes up, until it becomes a game and someone dips her tail in jam.

And then she holds her in jam covered tail tight to her with tears in her eyes.

"NO! Astarion would never ever do such things. If anything, stupid children or Akabi would do it and he would comfort her afterwards."

This is how the idea came up, that when Saulus is nervous she generally holds her tail tight like children hold a security blanket.

"What could she be nervous about?"

"Maybe her wedding day..."

And from this came the fact that she is insecure about her whole tiefling body. Maybe to help others with similar thoughts.

Especially when being with someone so natural beautiful as Astarion with his elven looks.

She wondered why Bhaal would create someone looking like that, when he had the choice of all this beautiful creatures out there in Faerûn. Given the option, he still choose this appearance for his Chosen, his daughter, his own blood. His own spawn.

It could only be to scare people, to show them horror and fear, before sweet death.

So she always tried to hide herself.

But Astarion helped her accept, to love her body and to understand that there is so much beauty out there. In every form and so many different forms out there in Faerûn. Finally she was able to see herself through the eyes of others, how they saw her, how she really looked.

Bhaal may had shaped her, but it is her, that defines herself. Worth of love.

She is big, brave and beautiful!

And I hope this helps everyone with body image problems out there ❤️❤️

I was so inspired and emotionally touched by seeing my beloved blorbos as surprise screenshot, that, for a change, I just started writing my idea straight away.

I have so many BG3 fanfic ideas, why don't I write them? Because I suck at writing fanfiction in english and I really should finish my Resident Evil longfic. And I end up procrastinating not to do either 😅🙈

[vendetta-if]

Snippets and Sneak Peek (Chapter 6) Pt. 2

Hey guys 👋 Time for the second and last sneak peek at Chapter 6 Part 1 before the update. And just as a reminder, the Chapter 6 Part 1 update will drop on 22nd of April (GMT +8), which is around 22 hours or so from now (the time I posted this) 😁

So, I kinda mentioned how MC will hear again about what they did when they helped the mother and the kid in the alleyway. I'll show the news segment here and it'll vary in parts based on the options you chose.

For the sake of this sneak peek, we're going to assume that MC killed the guy with gravikinesis and that MC wears their mask but tells the kid their code name 😄 Oh, and also that MC is interested in becoming Vigilante first or only interested in becoming Vigilante.

Chapter 6 Part 1 Early Access demo is now up on both Patreon and Ko-fi!

* * * * *

The conversation tapers off and you reach forward to turn up the radio a bit to fill in the silence, just in time to catch the tail-end of the song that has been playing. A news jingle immediately follows it.

"Good afternoon, citizens of Elysium City! I hope all of you are having a wonderful day because today, we have some news fresh from the oven and no, it's not about the Superheroes or the Nemesis Project this time.

"Last night, the ECPD was met with another gruesome crime scene in the Lower South Acheron District after what seems to be an act of vigilante-ism was taken too far. The criminal killed was suspected to be the same one who had been terrorizing the area for months now.

"Right now in the studio, we have two direct eyewitnesses—well, no, they actually almost became the victims of this criminal last night. May I present to you, Miranda Martínez, a staff here in the Voice of Elysians radio station, and her ${mc_son}, Jules Martínez."

"Hey, Camille."

"So, Miranda, can you tell us a bit about what happened last night?"

"Uh, yeah. So, it was pretty late last night, and we were walking home. I was starting to regret my decision to not take a taxi instead, but we were getting pretty close to our apartment by that time, so I took ${mc_his} hand in mine and we basically power-walked to try to get home as fast as possible.

"But when we were only two blocks away, a man stopped us and pulled us into one of the alleyways. I was so scared, but I tried talking to him, to negotiate. He said he wanted everything I owned, so I handed him my purse; I didn't want to risk both Jules' life and mine. But still, he won't let us go. I'm still not sure what else he could've wanted—"

"And then I tried attacking the man so he would let go of Mama! But I was too small and he easily beat me… He threatened to burn my face, but I was not scared!"

It was undoubtedly the little kid you saved last night and they still sound as excitable as they were last night.

They continue, "It was then, ${mc_he} came to save us! $!{mc_he} came out of the darkness and then—and then, I don't know how, but ${mc_he} threw the bad guy to a wall without even touching him and then, a few seconds later, the bad guy's head popped like a balloon!"

"Jules—!" $!{mc_his} mother tries to scold ${mc_him} but is cut off by the host.

"Oh! Can you tell us more about this mysterious vigilante? Do you see what ${mc_he} looks like?"

"Yeah! $!{mc_he} told me ${mc_he} goes by the codename "$!{codename}"! Which is really cool!"

"How about ${mc_his} appearance? Did you catch anything?"

"No… $!{mc_he} was wearing a mask so we couldn't see ${mc_his} face at all. But the mask was very cool! It was like, pure black and it looked kinda alive!"

"Aww, that's too bad, but at least we know what to call our vigilante: "$!{codename}", which I'm pretty sure I haven't heard before, so watch out criminals and villains, because there is a new vigilante on the block and ${mc_he} @{mc_plural don't|doesn't} seem to be the type to play around. How about you, Miranda? Do you have anything else to add?"

"Nothing, really. Like Jules said, the vigilante was wearing a mask and we couldn't discern anything about ${mc_his} physical appearance. But, from what I've seen of the ability ${mc_he} used, ${mc_he} is probably a really powerful telekinetic."

"Really interesting… Well, how do you feel about ${mc_him} killing someone in front of you and your ${mc_son}? It must've been a traumatizing experience."

"Oh, yeah, yeah… It was really gruesome and I was just frozen in place in fear. I thought ${mc_he} was going to hurt me and Jules next, but ${mc_he} didn't. $!{mc_he} handed me my purse back and even gave us four hundred bucks to treat Jules' wounds…

"I wouldn't lie, I probably won't be able to scrub the image from my mind for the rest of my life, but in the end, I am really grateful to ${mc_him} for saving me and my ${mc_son}. Who knows what would've happened if ${mc_he} wasn't there to intervene. And the money ${mc_he} gave… It was such a blessing. It really covered the bill to get Jules treated."

"Yeah!" Little Jules chirps in again. "Thank you so much, $!{title} $!{codename}! You're my true hero and I wanna be like you when I grow up!"

You really try to keep your face straight, but a slight smile still tugs on your lips against your will after listening to the interview and the adorable thank you from Little Jules. To know that you have saved people from what could've been a disastrous life-changing event and helped them directly… It surprises you a bit on how good it feels.

You're really lucky to be able to catch a glimpse of what your future as a vigilante would be like and how it would make you feel, and you know you're making the right choice. This experience just makes you even more determined to become a vigilante, spending the nights patrolling the streets, saving innocent civilians, and protecting them from the criminals and villains infesting the city.

[vivianquill]

Tango really needed to stop waking up in strange new places. At least he didn't seem to be beaten black and blue this time. Or maybe the jerks who'd kidnapped him weren't as rough as the pounding surf.

His head was still all fuzzy, but he wasn't dizzy or nauseous and he was lying on the floor of some sort of tidepool. Maybe? it wasn't sandy. And he was underwater. Probably. Tango couldn't help but let out a soft warble as he rubbed at his face, squinting up at the surface.

The water was deeper then where Impulse and Skizz and Zedaph had been keeping him, maybe two body-lengths deep, instead of only half of one. The ground sloped up off to the far end of the tidepool, with a shelf that made up a large part of the height. Tango twisted over to lay on his front for the time being, hopefully his dorsal fin hadn't gone to sleep.

There were other people, at the shallow end of the pool. He could see a-- a yellow and blue mer's tail, but only part of it. The angle was wrong, and they must've been sitting on the edge, like Tango often did when he would talk with his humans--

Impulse would be fine. Probably. Right? Impulse had to be fine, otherwise he was going to drown the humans who'd done that and taken him away and-- Well it wouldn't be pretty.

Tango couldn't see who the humans were-- that the yellow mer was talking to-- everything was too fuzzy around the edges still, and the distortion of the water just made them two blobs of color. Well, as long as they weren't going to be paying any attention to him, then he would simply curl up and--

They'd even changed the splint on his wrist. Why would they do that?? Tango huffed out a mouthful of bubbles, frustrated to no end but not really having the energy to get properly mad about it right now.

So instead he just curled up on his side, watching the yellow mer and the blobs above the water and wondering how long it would take them to realize that he was awake.

Turns out, Tango managed to doze off before they noticed that he'd woken up. He only knew this because he startled back awake when he felt movement in the water.

Well, it certainly burned away the last of the drowsy fog clinging to every bit of him.

And it certainly let the other mer know he was awake.

"Oh, hey--"

Tango jerked, twisting around to face the voice, almost toppling over. It was the mer he'd seen earlier, staring at him with bright blue eyes.

"I'm glad you're awake. How're you feeling?" The mer pushed off the shelf where he'd paused, drifting down to Tango.

"Who are you." Tango narrowed his eyes, coiling his tail underneath himself. It would probably be a bad idea to try and take them in an outright fight, but Tango was quick, and the tidepool here was much much larger than the other one. He'd be able to maneuver better.

"My name's Jimmy. It's-- uhm." Jimmy flicked his tail, settling on the tiles a little ways away from Tango, "There's probably been a misunderstanding, yeah? You're safe here, nobody's gonna hurt you. What's your name?"

Tango let out another mouthful of bubbles, "Did the humans steal you too? Where are we?"

"We're at a house, a safehouse-- the ocean is about fifty or so meters that-a-ways--" Jimmy pointed in what Tango assumed was the ocean, "I wasn't stolen-- well. I was stolen but that was like years and years and years ago, but no. The human here is nice, and so is Scott. They're my pod, they're here to help."

Tango blinked, a little put off by just how relaxed Jimmy was. He believed what he was saying, but that didn't mean Tango did.

It-- wasn't that Jimmy had a human in his pod, because admittedly, Tango had started to consider Impulse and Zedaph and Skizz a part of his pod, if only for the fact that they had been the only way for him to get food, and medicine, and companionship--

Well, now that he thought about it, considering those three as part of his pod probably wasn't a good thing. His pod would call him crazy, surely.

"You-- thought I was in danger. . . ?" Tango frowned, "With the other humans-- is that why yours stole me? They thought I was in danger?"

"You're hurt! And they were keeping you in such a small pool--" Jimmy was mirroring his frown now, "Didn't they take you from the sea in the first place?"

"No! No-- I mean, yes, they took me-- but there was a storm. I got separated from my pod and caught in a fishing net, and Impulse found me on the shore. I would have died if it wasn't for them!"

Jimmy let out a puff of bubbles, "They wouldn't have let you go. Humans don't let mer go."

"So you're here against your will too?"

"No!! No. If I wanted to I could leave. I can leave any time I want--"

"Then how do you know that my humans wouldn't have let me go?" Tango was posturing now, he knew that he was, all puffed up and fins out wide and Jimmy was reacting in kind, even if the other mer wasn't aware of it.

"Because they don't!! Look at you, you're practically all healed already and yet they still had you in that dumb little fishbowl."

"I'm not stupid. There's a reason i didn't tell them about my pod." Tango bared his fangs, trying to get Jimmy to back down, "They hadn't put me back yet because my wrist is still broken and a lone mer who can't hunt or defend themselves is a dead mer. They didn't want me to end up dead--!"

Jimmy threw up his hands in frustration, "Fine, whatever. You don't have to get so snippy about it. It doesn't matter anyway, it's not like you're going to ever see them again. We'll stick you back in the sea tomorrow and you'll never see any of us again if that's what you really want."

Jimmy's words hit Tango like a slap to the face. He turned away, pinning his frill back and ignoring Jimmy as the other mer swam back up to the shallow end of the pool.

Tango didn't move until the water had stilled again. But when he did, he couldn't see Jimmy anywhere. Even when he'd mustered up his courage to poke his head above the water, Jimmy wasn't to be seen. Had he dragged himself off somewhere? Tango didn't know, and he almost didn't care. He mostly didn't care.

They'd taken him from his humans, without asking if he was in danger or needed help! They'd maybe killed Impulse! And now he'd pissed off the first mer he'd seen in what felt like moons.

Great. Nice going Tango, your temper sure has come in handy once again.

[dracoangel]

DA: The Veilguard Review

Finally finished the game, so here is my review of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Full of spoilers so it will be under the cut!

But overall score: 6/10

For me, the game didn't get good until the end. At the Battle with Ghilan'nain and after. Before that it had it's good moments, but they were few and far between.

Graphics/Art Style & Character Creation

Truth be told, I'm still not a fan of the style but I got used to it. I've already made my opinion on this matter known in various posts, so here I'll simply put: too cartoony, not a fan.

Character Creation was pretty decent. Some high points: Saving your character as a preset so that can be imported (so long as you keep that character). Down side: they should have done the same with the Inquisitor. And HAIR PHYSICS and they were great! At least for the hairs I tried out. I didn't have any issues with them going wild, which was very nice. Down side: need more ponytail options.

Combat

I played as a mage, and the combat took a lot to get used to. It's vastly different from any of the previous DA games. But I did come to really enjoy it, especially using the dagger/orb combo even if it had a much shorter range. Sometimes it gets tedious to switch constantly during fights depending on what was best for the moment; for instance in the middle of darkspawn "spawning" fights where you have to destroy the blight to get them to stop spawning, that is kinda rough for me because of targeting.

Writing, Dialogue and Choice

Overall the game has mediocre writing at best, and poor Taash just got butchered with their writing; which is a shame, because they are a good character. The dialogue is far too modern. And the dialogue felt very condescending, as if the writers think we're idiots and have to be forcefully spoon fed. There are ways of writing characters like Taash and they failed.

Party dialogue was actually not bad for the most part. I found most of it to be quite entertaining.

The game just didn't feel like an RPG, they only gave the illusion of choice in dialogue and with missions except 2 instances: choosing between Tevinter and Antiva, and the choice of who was leading the distraction team against Ghilan'nain. Everything else, they gave you the illusion of choices but in the end it doesn't really change anything.

Companions

I was actually very surprised. I like all the companions, which is a first for me in a Dragon Age game. There is always at least 1 companion I'm not a fan of, which isn't a bad thing either; just like the real world some personalities just don't jive together. I honestly wasn't sure if I was going to like Bellara, but she grew on me. And as stated previously, Taash got butchered with her writing.

Romance

For my romance I chose Lucanis. I don't know if all romances are the same in regards to pacing, but Lucanis' romance was a SLOOOOOW burn. So slow that until the scene after you make it out of Solas' trap I didn't feel like I was in a romance with anyone. If it hadn't been for the hearts in Lucanis' character screen I wouldn't have known we were in a romance; I was starting the think that a few vague flirts were all that Bioware was going to give me, which would have left me with a super bad taste in my mouth. Especially since it seemed that members of my team were having better romances than I was 🤣 Certain party members were getting their freak on and/or going on all night dates long before I got my first kiss. So, needless to say, I think they need to add more to romances to make them actually feel like you're in a romance. At least in Lucanis' case, like I said I don't know how the rest are. 1 real romance scene and at the tail end just isn't enough.

Edit: from what I learned, all romances are slow burns and get the same treatment. Which is baffling. Especially with characters like Taash.

Rook

I found myself both really liking Rook and being disappointed. I felt like Rook was an after thought character, whereas the companions got the most attention. They are 3 flavors of nice, you can't be mean or really disagree with anyone and you're everyone else's therapist. I don't know why we got different "emotion" options, when they were all basically the same; one was just slightly more quippier or slightly more blunt and as far as I can tell it doesn't change Rook's tone in conversions, they have a more humorous/sarcastic tone by default even if you never choose that option (like my 2nd character I choose the "diplomatic" and "tough" options but she's still a sarcastic bitch). Which I feel it limits replayablitity as different characters because they may look unique but they definitely don't act it.

Story

The bones of the main story were pretty good, though the writing nearly ruins it. But I'm not too proud to not admit that the the Battle with Ghilan'nain and the scene in the Fade trap did have me bawling. Davrin was the one to sacrifice himself to help take her down and poor Assan went into the pool of blight with him (so I'm assuming Assan died too 😭😭) and then finding out that Varric had been dead the whole time... that one wrecked me a bit. I thought they were going to kill him off, but I thought it was going to be one of those "noble sacrifices at the end" type deals. Only to find out he died at the beginning and you've basically been hallucinating him this entire time (makes me feel slightly bad ribbing him about not actually helping, other than being that listening ear 😂).

Unfortunately the relationship between Rook and Varric fell kinda flat, seeing as we came in a year after they've already established their partnership. So the tears I shed were not for what Rook lost, but who the Inquisitor, Hawke and myself as a player lost. Our man Varric has been with us for 13 years, we've watched his character change so much since that first introduction at the Gallows and it's sad to see him go, even if I did foresee it.

Truthfully, the game didn't feel much like it was part of the Dragon Age universe. Not having our past choices as part of the world for that flavor really hurt the game. Sure there were small instances from previous games, like at Weisshaupt there were little flavor texts; like the chalice that was recovered from Ostagar, which was the chalice our Grey Warden drank from. A letter mentioning Kristoff, who was a Grey Warden in Dragon Age Awakening who died and the spirit of Justice (the same spirit who would end up possessing Anders in DA2) possessed his body to fight alongside us. But it's not enough. There was one instance I was kind of irked by, after meeting Morrigan in the Fade and finding out she now housed a shard of Mythal, Harding makes mention of Morrigan helping the Inquisition by turning into a dragon. They made that into a world canon event, when in fact that only happens if you allow Morrigan to drink from the Well of Sorrows instead of letting the Inquisitor do it. I chose to have the Inquisitor drink from the Well and thus we had to go fight a dragon and basically temporarily tame it. So that was very irksome to me that they basically changed my world state.

I'm not sure why who the Inquisitor romanced in Inquisition really mattered to the story and was one of the 3 options that actually did carry over. My Inquisitor romanced Dorian and their romanced was only ever referred to at the tail end of the game right before the final fight against Elgar'nan; wasn't even brought up in like the few letters the Inquisitor sent or by Harding, nothing. Dorian showing up in the story (as brief as it was) at least makes sense since the story partly taking place in Tevinter. Do the other romance options show up at some point or at the end battle?

Edit: From what I have now learned, no the other romances don't show up. Dorian only did because he was part of the Shadow Dragons. In the end the real question shouldn't have been who the Inquisitor romanced, but did they romance Solas or not. That would have been more accurate and wouldn't give us non-solasmancers false hope

I think I covered everything. I'll add more in edits if I think of something I missed.

So overall, the game was a 6/10. It was decent enough that I'm definitely going to be playing again. Could it have been better? Most definitely, there were some very glaring flaws. But it wasn't the trash heap I thought it was going to be. But it's definitely not as good as Baldur's Gate 3, which I've seen people say it is (it's not even in the same league, sorry).

If you are new to the franchise this game would probably be closer to an 8/10 because you don't have that connection to the rest of the Dragon Age world. Though the writing is still atrocious no matter what, the game is a decent action game.

[flaylore]

CHURCH OF RUNE

"I guess I should formally introduce you. I haven't even introduced myself. "I"… or… hm, you may call me Machina. Father Machina. And I welcome you to the rune monastery, a place offering shelter for those in need, all those who suffer from the supposed corruption, all those who disagree with the guild. Here, if you put your hopes in me, your faith, your love, your dreams, your everything, I promise you will be saved."

Church of Rune features a priest-like figure welcoming you to his church, the Rune Monastery, and invites you to join his mission on spreading corruption. It was uploaded on December 1st 2023, and had a small teaser dropped on November 23rd 2023.

A mysterious waiting room also appeared right after the teaser. However, it was eventually deleted. (1 , 2)

Summary:

The screen glitches a bit, with a figure standing over us

The figure says: “You have multiple “you’s in you”, saying it’ll be difficult to determine our true thoughts

After a few minutes, we finally get ourselves to stand and figure out where we are

The area looks deserted in snow, the sound of bells can be heard (?) ringing in the background

The figure can read our minds

“Looks cold”? Of course, it is that time of year.”

Says that there’s better lighting in the church than outside

Seems confused that we don’t recognize the current area, then states that this is Elysium—or what’s left of it

Further elaborates on how there’s multiple versions of “us” inside of us

“There are… multiple "you"s inside of you. At the same time, you hold a consciousness of your own, or so I think. Do you know why that is? "We're all one," now that's the correct response.”

The corruption inside of us has spread, according to the figure

"It’s nothing to be worried, though 3 years ago this wouldn’t have been tolerated." “It makes up a part of you, as flaws try so desperately to hide.”

Asks us further if we don’t remember what happened 3 years ago. Mentions when activity spiked in the south, and when “The Great Debate” occurred

Explains that The Great Debate consisted of when the world did not know what to do with corruption

TEMPUS seeks to understand and pacify the “beasts”, while the mercenary group kills them off

Says the corruption isn’t bad

💬: “Would ARMIS kill us”? "Now that's a name I haven't heard in quite a while…”

Mentions how some people refuse to “take in the current reality”, and brings up how they jest as a coping mechanism

Assures us that he too is also pathetic in nature and accepts us

“Believe me, under my care, you will have no need for such things. Your worries, your fears, your anxieties… you may leave it all here, in my care. I will love you thoroughly.”

Our current form is “small”, but “quite familiar” to the figure

“You’re just a bit different.”

Takes us inside the church, holy music now playing subtly in the background

Calls himself “Father Machina”

He has no other name according to himself

The church is meant to be a “rune monastery”, offering as a shelter for those corrupted and in need, as well as a sanctuary for those who disagree with the guild’s methods

He then holds up a small figure, similar to a machiroon, to us. He asks us what this is

It looks to be physical, almost like goo

Its eyes are swirling, along with having two cat ears and a tail

The figure is referred to as a “machirune”, the end prefix spelt R-U-N-E instead of R-O-O-N

“These “runes”, these are souls, human souls, or rather, corruption in its purest form.”

There’s no malice in them, though there’s anxiety inside of them

“Corruption Beasts” are:

Referred as “The Afflicted” in this world

According to him, it is also considered an "old and jaded" term

Corruption is linked to emotions

“No one supposedly knows what happens after. But, when those emotions hit that stride, anything that is corrupted will start to spread. Consider it any extreme human emotion. Isn't that sad? Whether it be happiness to the point of being manic, sadness to the point of despair, even lust. But humans are already aware of that, aren't they?”

Someone asks if Father Machina is also afflicted, to which he laughs before the screen zooms into his mouth. His eyes dim, showing irritation

“Excuse me? Are you in good health? Oh, my apologies. I just couldn't tell with all that stupidity living in your brain. Do me and the world a favor, and shut up. Thank you.”

His god is Miyabi—the “man of flowers”

“We fight for him. Clearly, he knows what is best for this world and even though he is not here to decide his fate, I shall meet(?) it for him.”

His sermons are meant to introduce those who’re new to the church

He also accepts donations, though vague on what kinds he means

Once the sermon ends, he and his followers exit the church to “make the world a better place”

When asked about the hollow tree, Father Machina says it’s already been corrupted recently in the last year (whether in this world or in Elysium is unclear)

Shinri has helped out Father Machina during these expeditions

“The world in danger?” No! [laughs] My beloved lost lambs, I'm saving the world! I’m saving you. I have nothing but countless amounts of love for all of you.”

The X-TRUS is known as an “ancient Xenokunian weapon”, and it’s the object of “our will and love”

“I’d rather not refer to its name given when it was part of the guild.”

Father Machina is 21,000 years old

He aims to create a new world/new beginning where the corrupted reign over everyone else

"Are there still corruption beasts?" laughing You still don't get it? Don’t make me spell it out. The one rule of the rune monastery is to spread the “afflicted” everywhere.”

Doesn’t seem to know who X is, but knows who Flayon is

“I told you, stop mentioning his name. Is that understood?”

Soon after, a progress bar appears on the screen, filling up to 50%

The sermon begins, Father Machina preaching atop the altar

Father Machina calls himself “God’s messenger”, and those who do not love him will be sacrificed for “the greater good”

“I will not have a repeat of any of you abandoning me. Those of you that wish to play with a shiny new toy again can repeat the same mistake that you made three years ago.” “But, don’t think that didn’t hurt me. Or, “him” per se.”

Says he loves the Machiroons all the same, but wonders if they take his love seriously

“All who stand against the church will die. I will kill you myself personally. Those who wish to “study” the beasts, as they call it, will be put to death. Those who kill the afflicted on the spot will be put to death.”

The whole church is centered around Father Machina, rewording “Amen” to “Flaymen”

“Yes, praise me, revere me! Love me, do so and I will bring you to salvation. Look at no other idols, no other men. I am the only one you should know. In return I shall give you love everlasting.”

In this world, TEMPUS seeks to study and eventually kill the corrupted on sight. ARMIS on the other hand kills them without any hesitation

“I'm sure I would’ve agreed with them years ago but now I know the true nature. Why would you harm the afflicted?”

Goldbullet claims that Father Machina was threatening and killing people

“He’s still around, but do not worry. We will find him and the rest of this TEMPUS.”

Claims that TEMPUS thought they could come to a solution in understanding the corrupted beasts, to study them

“I’m sure you’re all aware, even those of you afflicted with some sort of memory loss. They’re seen as heroes? Righteous? I think we have all unfortunately bore witness to their violent tendencies, their extremes.”

Axel was almost killed by the church, running away after attempting to kill Father Machina himself

“He still evades us like the rest, but he is the most dangerous and on top of our list, he did not hesitate. The first one to go against us, and for that he is probably the most foolish of all. But dare he come back to this church.. I shall make sure that all of his beloved followers will be cooked alive, like the food they are.”

Suddenly, he brings an announcement. After some persuasion, Shinri is joining support for the church

“Now he… he is a man fit to lead the world. He is a man.. That if anything were to happen to me, I would have him take our place. However, should he stay his corrupted hand at slaying the enemy, I shall make sure it spreads to the rest of his body. until there is nothing left.”

Claims that Bettel—the Jester—is the largest enemy to the church

“We will bide our time then strike when he least expects it. Those of you, of the roons, that have managed to fuse with his so-called “Bettelion”, we will strike tomorrow at dawn. And then, if a god is on his side, surely it is not ours. Therefore, his luck will eventually run out.”

Originally thought of Hakka as “his brother”, but after numerous attempts of killing Father Machina, he is not forgiven

“I thought he’d understand the most. After all, this is what is best for the world, am I not wrong? But, whatever righteous morals he has he will be dealt with. Or rather, he is already dealing with himself.”

Claims that the corruption on Hakka makes him rampage like a “mindless demon”

Altare is mentioned to try and “pity him”, which makes Father Machina envious of him

“Did he think I wanted his pity? I don’t, I don’t need it. He.. pains me most of all. A kindhearted man with a voice that soothes the souls of thousands. A roundabout hero with a moral compass that doesn’t hesitate to make the.. worst of calls. Isn’t that nice? However, despite all these compliments, all these praises sent to him instead of me. Don’t you think it’s strange?”

Claims that Altare has formed his own cult, in which kidnapping some of his followers and torturing them

Hates the church being compared to a “cult”, claiming that he does this out of love

“Hahahah. Now, love me, love me, love me, love me, love me, love me, love me, love me, love me, love me, love me and me alone. Love me, and only me. No other idols, no replacing me for whatever reason you deem fit. The minute you give your love to me, you must take responsibility. Is that understood? Hm..? You think I’m “broken”?”

The music stops suddenly, zooming in on Father Machina’s face.

“You’re a fool. You know, I told all of you to keep your mind in check. Even, it would’ve been fine, fine if you all disobeyed me. But, we have no room for such foolish ideals and so.. Haven’t you noticed? Hahahaha ..hahah! You didn’t notice yet, did you?”

[The bar fills to 100%.]

“Have a safe trip. I love you.”

Suddenly, the screen cuts to black and begins to glitch

Warns us about the “raging thoughts/voices” inside of us, and that the corruption is continuing to spread

“Remember what I said earlier? You have multiple “you”s. Multiple even inside each individual one. This creates discord and chaos within your soul, your emotions as one person are running rampant.”

Is aware that we’re from another world

“Wait.. Stop mentioning that name. You even made my beloved rune stop moving. [He sighs.] Hm? It seems you’re running out of time. You know what to do, right? Hnk. Damn you, you riled up memories I didn’t need.”

Glitching continues as multiple images now appearing on the screen, Father Machina’s eyes swirling

“We love you!” “I love you guys too…” “Am I not enough?” “I can’t have you leave” “I want to be enough for you” “Love me, Love me” “I don’t want to be alone..” “Don’t leave me”

Before the stream ends, he reminds us of the corruption. It begins in a notion, and he assumes there’s a catalyst

“Whatever emotion that he has, whenever he gets corrupted, I’ll see you again.”

His last words:

“Goodbye, roons. I hope when we meet again that you will follow my endeavor. I love you guys.. Don’t leave me.”

[shi-daisy]

Family Ties

Day 5 for our cutie! Today on the agenda we have some slight sadness with brotherly stuff, cuz if Dorevan got his time with Tammy so is Ciaran these three are my babies! Can fall into both Threads & Daisies continuity or as part 1 of a twoshot with tomorrow's entry. I hope you like!

@tamlinweek

Tamlin Week 2024- Day 5- Shapeshifter

Family Ties

"Well, you're fluffy." Ciaran said as he studied his baby brother's form.

Tamlin was dizzily woobling around as he realized he now had paws, fur, and antlers. His unique shifter form was widely diffrent from Ciaran's who was an atropomorphic bird.

"What am I?"

"You look like a bear with antlers, your face is wolflike and so is your tail. I guess you could be counted as a chimera.

Nevermind that. You shifted perfectly on your first try, it's a sign of power."

"Oh thanks!"

He didn't mean it as a compliment. But the second Evergreen brother was too tired to argue with the wobbling little beast. He shifted back to his normal self, and sat on a bench.

As if it wasn't bad enough to compete with Dorevan's strength, now the little one had loads of power too. Well, at least if he didn't get the court he could fuck off to Summer and...No, not until their monster of a father was dead. He wouldn't put his mate at risk like that.

Ciaran took out his pipe and smoked, only then did he see Tamlin, slowly shifting back to normal and walking towards him. "Mama says you shouldn't smoke."

"Mama's not here."

His hazel eyes fell on Tamlin. It was unusual for such a young child to show such power, he prayed their father didn't break him too early. He and Dorevan were already loss causes.

'I need something stronger to wash this away.'

"Cece!"

He raised an eyebrow at the nickname. "What is it?"

"How come no one else can shift like us?"

Ciaran picked him up and placed him in his lap. "It's the Evergreen family's power. Since the beginning of this family line we've all been able to shift into creatures of our choosing, along of course with a form unique to us. The trade off...It's unstable magic. You gotta be careful, little one. We...We are all struggling with it."

"Oh...Are you well?"

"Fuck no kid. Never."

Tamlin leaned into his brother's hold. "Can I help?"

"Doubt it...Just be good to mom. Be a good person. Be better than me."

Tamlin looked up at him, hazel on emerald green. He smiled at that little face. "You're good! Being better would be hard."

Ciaran exhaled the smoke upwards as if not to hurt Tamlin. "You're still so fucking naive, kiddie...If Dorevan gets the court, I'll have to take with me to Summer. Roxxanne will spoil you rotten."

"Huh?"

"Nevermind, just know I'll get you out of here when we're able."

"Okay! Thanks Cece!" Tamlin said as he yawned and fell asleep on his brother's lap.

Ciaran was hoping his younger brother forgot this conversation as he grew older. He'd likely never live it down. Still he'd keep his promise regardless of remembrance.

***

In the end, he couldn't keep the promise. He died before Tamlin, he died the same day as their sorry excuse for a father did. So the little one took the crown.

Soon after, his beloved followed and he reincarnated with her. In every lifetime they were together, and the memories of the once Ciaran Evergreen were gone, still a pull brought this now gold songbird to fly to Spring.

His dear Roxy would guard their Summer nest, all while he visited the desolate court and the creature that seemed hold a connection to. Many whispered in Summer of the fallen Lord of Spring, but this didn't look like a lord. He was a golden furry beast, always shifted and alone.

Ciaran jumped until he was face to face with the creature sleeping in the floor, emerald eyes opened for a moment to look at him. He was puzzled and tired, but still smiled.

"Heh, you look like my brother..." He muttered before falling asleep again.

Ciaran tilted his head, they couldn't be related, the High Lord was probably confused. Still, he decided to take a rest.

He jumped over the man's head, it was fluffy. Ciaran got into position and decided to take a small nap.

They both felt somewhat safer in that slumber.

[nihilaraarchived]

HSR VOICE LINES: KURO & MIMI. once an emanator of yaoshi, kuro is a shell of his former self. skirting along the cosmos with his companion mimi, one of the hyper intelligent and near extinct species of cat - like creatures, known as the felista.

kuro is classified as the hunt, and does imaginary damage.

kuro is blue and mimi is pink

FIRST MEETING:  name's kuro nice to meet you. i uh... don't really do very much. worth noting that is.   nonsense. kuro you'd do well to be more cat - like sometimes. take pride in the fact you do very little of late.

GREETING:  sup, you need... help with something? mimi and i can handle it.   prrrrp!

PARTING:  *kuro & mimi yawn* we done? if so im gonna go lay down for a bit.

ABOUT SELF, APPEARANCE:   what...? do i look that bad?   your shirt is undone, and your hair is unbrushed.  ohh... oops. i tend to forget sometimes, not that it matters. i'm not trying to look nice for anyone in particular so...

ABOUT SELF, MIMI:   mimi? she's my best friend.  i thought she was a run of the mill cat for the longest time. turns out she's the last of her species. we've both kind of saved eachother, isn't that right?   couldn't of put it better myself, kuro. we're both a bit out of place. but i am truly grateful to have you with me in these difficult times.

CHAT, YAOSHI:   th-the aeon of abundance...? i know about as much as anyone else does. what... did you think my being an emanator before... helped me understand them? i really don't. they wish to rid the world of suffering, and death.  but even the best medicine can become poison, when applied too liberally. 

CHAT, XIANZHOU:   my history with the xian/zhou people... is complicated. i feel guilty for what i've done, and wish something could be done about their circumstances--  but it was their ancestors that asked for immortality. and yaoshi gave it to them.   well said, kuro. be sure to remember, you cannot change the past. but you do not need to let it ruin your future.

CHAT, IPC:   mrrow!! a dreadful corperation! invasive, manipulative, greedy! they took my home for resources, and believed us worth nothing more than common cats. tsk!    yeah. i'm pretty bias on this... but big companies like that. trying to get their hands in everything. i'm with mimi on this. 

HOBBIES:   uhhh...  does sleeping count?   again, credit where it is due, kuro. he is a wonderful cook, he seems at his happiest when making meals for others, mya!    but i love sleeping too...

ANNOYANCES:   immortality is, and will always be, a curse. what's the point of life, if there is no end?   mrr...?

SOMETHING TO SHARE:  you can tell a lot about a cat's mood, and what they're feeling by their tails. they're incredibly honest animals, if you know how to read them.   prrr...

KNOWLEDGE:  yaoshi's goal isn't inherently bad. see, the aeons don't care about good and evil, they don't care about us. their only desire is to perpetuate whatever concept, or ideal they embody. no matter who, or what it hurts. 

ABOUT JING YUAN:  best if our paths never crossed again. though knowing my luck, it's bound to happen.   i just hope he's had a bit of time to cool off after your dashing escape, nyehehe!

ABOUT BLADE:  i can't be mad about the animosity he has towards me. thankfully though he's courteous enough to not try anything when mimi's in the way.   hmph.

ABOUT DR. RATIO:  i've seen him and mimi having conversations before. i really don't bother listening in or interrupting, they look like they're enjoying themselves.   i care for you deeply kuro, but sometimes i am in need of more...  stimulating conversation.

ABOUT ARGENTI:  i can say with confidence that argenti is a friend. we've crossed paths more than once. he's odd, eccentric... but he's a good person.   and he spoils me rotten, nya~  he's selfless, beautiful, and chivelrous. you could learn a thing or two from your friend, kuro.  

ABOUT BOOTHILL:   revenge? against the IPC? an admirable goal, prrr.  it will not be easy, their influence is vast, and the things they're willing to do for their own advantage? truly wishing him the best with his mission.   yeah, what she said.

EIDOLON ACTIVATION:  ohh that's neat.

CHARACTER ACENSION:  excellent work kuro, keep it up.

MAX LEVEL:  so can i go take a nap now?

TRACE ACTIVATION:  phew, looking pretty good...

ADDED TO THE TEAM WITH JING YUAN:  no hard feelings about my escape, right? ah? ... oh...  

ADDED TO THE TEAM WITH RATIO:  you can also talk to me, i hope you know that.  afraid i might run away?

ADDED TO THE TEAM WITH ARGENTI:  good to see you again, argenti. and in one piece no less.

ADDED TO THE TEAM WITH BOOTHILL:  all you really need is a horse huh...

bonus

ABOUT KEVAH:  mimi really likes him, so i like him too. i was... admittedly very surprised to see so many sketches of myself in his book. it's kind of flattering. am i that nice to look at?   prrp...

ABOUT SUNDAY:  is it insulting so say he reminds me of myself in some way? i don't want to say too much. but i can't help pity him, and the situation he's in.   the entirety of the dream hotel seems to be in a bad way. hmph.

I WILL ADD MORE AS I PLOT WITH FOLKS. THIS IS UNFINISHED!

[beevean]

I keep forgetting that Netflix!Isaac is supposed to be the same character as the one from the source material, based on character design alone. Dude looks like a goody-good Christian boi who would dare never show even an inch of skin. Making him black is completely irrelevant to the change in his character design, too, because the show's own concept art for his potential designs proves that they could have kept his manwhore-ness completely intact at least aesthetically- so I don't want to hear the whole, "You don't like the redesign because they changed their race!" response from people in this case. Dude just doesn't have the slutty "vibe" as he was clearly meant to.

Isaac's race swap bothers me only for one reason: what they did with it is lazy. They gave him an unnecessary "former slave" background that honestly reeks of Americacentrism - oh, of course African people can only exist in Europe as slaves! What do you mean that the Transatlantic Slave Trade wasn't a thing yet?

I keep saying this, but if you wanted Isaac to suffer persecution for real life reasons, and if you really really really wanted the Devil simp to be of color (whatever makes you happy...), he could have fled from the Emirate of Granada.

This was the last independent Muslim state in Europe until 1492. As the show takes place in 1476, we're at the tail-end of the Reconquista. You know. The Christian kingdoms fighting to reconquer the Iberian peninsula from the Ottoman Empire?

Isaac could have fled from the war, as a young Muslim boy with red hair which marked him as a spawn of the Devil and with a "satanic" interest in black magic (in the flashback of his childhood, he says that he wanted to learn magic to help his master - in this version he could have simply be instinctively attracted to forbidden spells and unnerved everyone around him, even if we keep the show idea that he did not perform magic as a child like Hector did).

It was all here! And it would have been actually pretty interesting! And it would have tied with all the themes, both "Forgemasters shunned from the human world for their affiliation with darkness" from the games and CHURCH BAD from the show.

Of course, this is also not a necessary change. Hector and Isaac suffering the same type of persecution and reacting to it in different ways (Isaac being perfectly happy to follow Dracula in his mass slaughter and Hector not believing every single human deserves to die) is kind of an important part of their character.

(also, making the Devil simp a Muslim is very... questionable, even more so than making him black. By all means, Hector and Isaac should be complete athetists. No God would love them, except for Dracula.)

But this would imply that Ellis and the gang cared about Hector and Isaac, both as their own characters and as foils. They did not.

The other thing that bothers me is that the show artists can't even take credit for N!Isaac's prim and proper outfit:

Kojima, who is not a hack, can use clothes to convey characterization and state of mind. I talked about this here and here, about halfway through. But yeah, Isaac's slutty outfit isn't only just fanservice for the sake of fanservice: Isaac let his proper clothes rot off his body after Hector broke them, as the Curse eroded his sanity. The contrast with this very conservative uniform is so that we can see how low he has fallen after Hector's betrayal and Dracula's death.

(also, in PtR, Hector and Isaac wear the same uniform, with the same crest. because it's a uniform. what is the fucking reason n!hector goes around with knight clothes while n!isaac goes with a cassock, and why in the hell do they have different crests. i fucking hate this so much it's stupid it's so stupid!!)

Anyway. Isaac is a deeper character than anyone gives him credit to. And it deeply annoys me how N!Isaac is touted as an improvement, when he keeps nearly nothing about Isaac and he seems to have been redesigned and reimagined out of spite for the source material.

also i headcanon isaac and julia as italian due to their surname. now this would be peak representation

[mysticsparklewings]

Obscutober 2024 Day 2: Littoral 🏖️

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Littoral (adj.)

of or relating to the shore of a lake, sea, or ocean

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Good News, Sparklers: I’m still happy with this as my #Inktober approach so far! 🎉 (Hopefully that continues🤞)

This one definitely turned out more “general beach/ocean” than “shoreline,” but oh well! 🤷‍♀️

Click the "Keep Reading" and we'll talk more about my thoughts/process for this piece (including part of why this word made the prompt-list cut)! ✨

⭐️ Like My Art and Want to see more of it? Here's All My Links! ⭐️

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Well Sparklers, I seem to once again be writing this description (and therefore posting the art) later in the day than expected again today, but y'know I'm still early enough I don't feel such a rush to just get everything done, as was an extremely bad habit for me during Inktober last year...But we're only on Day 2 so it's still very possible I'll end up in that situation at some point later in the month. 😅

Either way, since we covered I think what was left of the background information for my how/whys for October this year yesterday, I think today I'm free to focus just on today's piece.

And I'll start with the admission that one of the primary reasons this word made the cut when I was putting together the prompt list is because I personally find it more amusing than I probably should that "Littoral" can very easily sound like "Literal" depending on your accent/pronunciation; And while I haven't figured one out, I just know there's a delightful pun or wordplay hiding somewhere in that association. 😆

Does that have anything to do with my choice of shapes for the mandala or colors for the background? Not consciously, no. But I mention it just in case someone for some reason finds the idea as funny as I do!

That said, this one is—at least I think—a lot strong on the specific images in the mandala that tie back to the theme than yesterday's. Granted, I probably leaned a little more heavily on general beachy/ocean themes than is really appropriate for a word that's really more about shorelines for multiple kinds of waterbodies...

In my defense, I started working on this one around 2-3 a.m. before I went to bed and was struggling to stay awake for the area between the inner circle of seashells and the round with the tail-fin shapes. What were supposed to look more like fish scales underneath those fin shapes came out looking a lot more like the edges of stacked sand dollars as a result. 😅

That might kinda be for the better though because I think if they did look more like scales, the tail fins might be a little too mermaid-y. Sand dollars probably fit a little better for a shoreline focus. Or, this way they kinda also make me think of like...ridged rocks that you might see either along lake edges, or as like the "drop off" point where the ocean shore "ends" and the deep sea more or less "begins," if that makes any sense.

I also tried something...I want to say "different" but we're only on Day 2, so that feels a bit odd. 😆 But it is something I don't usually do with mandalas when I make them. You'll notice that the round with the tail fins features only 2 additional sea shells, not 4, 6, or 8 as would be more typical for a mandala pattern, and on either side of that same round where you'd expect another pair of shells to be are instead some different wave shapes.

This was just a small experiment in what I'm going to do "non-traditional symmetry" (because "asymmetry" isn't quite right). So far I'm just using Procreate for these, and Procreate's built-in symmetry tools can only be pushed so far vs. an app made more specifically for mandalas, so I was trying to get a feel for where exactly my boundaries with Procreate's tools are. Obviously I didn't get too crazy with it because I was tired, but I did learn a few things and intend to carry them forward.

To that end, for what it's worth, I am considering trying a mandala-making-specific app, but I haven't pulled the trigger just yet. I thought I'd try a couple more with just Procreate and see if I still want to. I have a feeling even if I do try another app, I'll end up tracing over whatever results I get in there in Procreate anyway just to make sure all my Obscutober pieces are stylistically consistent. [That's a me thing, I don't expect anyone else to care about the style consistency even half as much as I personally do.]

I will also say the "splash" shapes that end everything off weren't really what I originally had in mind, but I'm not bothered about it because I think they came out great and give the effect that I wanted really well. 😄

Oh, and before I move on from the mandala part: If you look closer, you can also see I tried just a little bit of hatching on this one. I wanted to "fill in" some more of the mandala lines for visual interest, but I didn't like the solid-fill look in those areas when I tried it. It's still not quite what I wanted but I was too tired to be bothered re-doing it. I'm also not sure how much I'll use hatching (or other "traditional" inking techniques) for the rest of the month, though it is a tool I'll be keeping in my metaphorical back pocket just in case.

This may as well be a good time to mention that not necessarily every Obscutober piece will use white mandala lines; I don't want to overcomplicate my choices too much, but I am planning on allowing black lines as well, if they'll suit that day's themes better. So far we've just had two days in a row where I thought the white worked better. 😉

As for the background: This one is one of the things that motivated me to go with this particular format for this year. I didn't start working on this piece until after the decision(s) had already been made, but during those last couple of days of September when the mandala idea finally started to form, I was going back and forth over the words and landed on "Littoral" again; The idea of having a kind of "island" in the middle surrounded by "water" for the background popped into my brain—Nothing but shoreline all 360º around. 🤗

That wasn't the deciding factor alone, but it was definitely a strong nudge in that direction! This background was also a good "test" in that it pushed me to consider there might be days—like this one!—where it's tempting to color the background less abstractly and more tied to whatever is happening with the mandala lines. Somehow, I hadn't really considering that yet. From that, you can see I decided that some spot color is okay, but for consistency purposes, I am still going to keep it largely soft and abstract. Since I'm toying with the idea of making coloring pages out of the finished mandalas later anyway, if I really want to color right inside the lines, I can worry about that after Obscutober.

Besides, keeping it abstract will be faster anyway; I have a tendency to get way-too-perfectonist when coloring inside of digital lines. 🫠

The longer I think about it, the more there are things I might do a bit differently if I gave the mandala part another go. I am still happy with how this one turned out and think the background is really solid, it's just that usual "hindsight is 20/20" artist problem—Sometimes great ideas for a piece only come after it's already done and you really don't feel like going through the trouble if changing what you have!

Ah well. Maybe I'll have more ideas actually come to me in-the-moment if I can be bothered working on the future mandalas when I'm not falling asleep at my desk. 😆 It still beats being wide-awake because I'm rushing to get it done at all, but it's definitely not the ideal way to be! 😅

In any case, aside from delays in writing this description, I've been enjoying seeing a few people (mostly on Tumblr) decide to try out the Obscutober list for themselves, so the month is off to a pretty decent start as far as I'm concerned! I hope it is for you Sparklers too, or that if it isn't, that things get better soon! 🤞

I'll leave you Sparklers with that for today, and hopefully see you again in cheerful spirits tomorrow. Toodles! 👋

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See the Prompt List

Artwork  © me, MysticSparklewings

Obscutober Concept Inspired by nikolas_tower

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⭐️ Like My Art and Want to see more of it? Here's All My Links! ⭐️